Help save township pets

AS MDZANANDA Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha celebrates 20 years of serving animals this year, we plan to roll out our largest campaign yet – providing medical treatment to 12 000 animals.

Animal abuse and neglect is part of everyday life in townships across South Africa.

But imagine a change – a community where animals are seen as companions by every community member. We are creating this change and we are asking the public to be a part of it.

In just two months we wish to raise the cost of one year’s supply of medical drugs and consumables costs (R600 000) to treat approximately 12 000 animals during our next financial year, from July to June next year. Our first crowdfunding campaign has gone live and in just a few days the campaign raised R25 000.

A township such as Khayelitsha suffers from high rates of violence, poverty, disease and social distress. Many children are born into a cycle of poverty and insecurity believing rape, hunger, violence and cruelty are norms.

Animals are victims of this environment as much as humans are and the health of the two is undoubtedly linked.

We believe a community that loves animals is a healthy community.

By looking after an animal people learn responsibility, respect for life, compassion and non-violence. These are valuable attributes which flow over into everyday life.

Khayelitsha is home to about 500 000 people and some 170 000 pets. The majority of dogs and cats are unvaccinated, which means infectious diseases are prevalent.

Pets are unsterilised and this leads to a constant increase in animals. There is a great lack of knowledge about animal husbandry, leading to nutritional and parasitic diseases.

The lack of established properties and stray dog population results in many animals roaming the township and becoming victims of motor vehicle accidents. These are only a few examples of the challenges animals face.

However, this does not mean they are not loved.

Anyone who visits Mdzananda has the pleasure of meeting owners who adore their animals.

Lack of education and funds are what generally results in neglect, illnesses and injuries.

We work on educating the community while providing low-cost veterinary services.

We have helped thousands of animals through the years and we want to make our 21st year the most impactful one yet. But we need the public to help make this possible by supporting our online crowdfunding campaign.

The clinic serves up to 1 000 animals a month through consultations, hospitalisation and surgery for sick and injured animals, primarily dogs and cats.

Other services include performing continuous sterilisations, rehoming unwanted or abandoned pets and assisting with cases of neglect or abuse.

With 31 percent of the households in Khayelitsha falling below the poverty line of R1 845 per household per month, it is impossible for most people to afford private or even standard veterinary welfare organisation fees.

There is also little to no transport for people to get help for their pets outside Khayelitsha. Our clinic offers low-cost services in the heart of the township.

Apart from our permanent clinic, our mobile clinics reach areas of the community that are beyond walking distance from the clinic.

We have a strong focus on community empowerment and education, believing that only through education can we make a lasting impact in the lives of animals and their human companions.

Our vision is to transform the community into one where every animal is treated with companionship and care and in so doing create a healthier community for animals and humans alike.

For more details on the campaign, visit www.mdzananda.co.za.