A mass sterilisation campaign is making a significant difference to the lives of dogs, cats and their owners across the greater Oudtshoorn area.
Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (ODIN), in partnership with Eden Small Animal Hospital, Vetsol and The Cat Hotel, has been providing free sterilisations through a mobile clinic that brings veterinary services directly into communities where they are needed most.
Supported by sponsor Synercore and generous donors, the three-day Spay-a-thon set a target of sterilising over 200 animals, representing veterinary care worth approximately R156 000.
Every donation helped make the initiative possible, allowing pet owners to access the service free of charge.
The campaign kicked off in De Rust on Monday, where 77 animals were sterilised. On Tuesday, the mobile clinic moved to the Scrosoppi Care Centre in Bridgton, where 73 animals were sterilised by just two veterinarians, Dr Tinashe Chimatira of Vetsol and Dr Susi Kok of Eden Small Animal Hospital.
A further 65 animals were sterilised on Wednesday, bringing the total to 215 animals over the three-day campaign.
Colleen Smith of ODIN said the response from the community showed that responsible pet ownership is not the problem – access to veterinary services is.
“People want to sterilise their animals, but many simply have no way of getting them to a clinic. By taking a mobile clinic into the communities, we’re removing one of the biggest barriers and making these services accessible to those who need them most.
“It has been incredible to see the support from the community, the veterinary teams and our volunteers. Seeing so many pet owners arrive with their animals, knowing we can make a real difference to their lives, makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
The mobile clinic also highlighted the challenges many owners face. While some residents walked their dogs to the venue, others arrived with cats tucked under jackets or transported animals in wheelbarrows. Volunteers also spent hours collecting animals from Dysselsdorp and surrounding communities to ensure they received treatment.
The programme offered more than just sterilisation. Every dog and cat was also treated for mange, fleas, ticks and worms, ensuring animals left the clinic healthier while helping to improve overall animal welfare in the communities served.
The overwhelming demand meant some animals had to be booked for the next Spay-a-thon. To assist families who could not be accommodated immediately, blankets and pet food were also distributed.
According to the organisers, The Cat Hotel was approached by ODIN, which had secured the necessary funding, to coordinate and plan the Spay-a-thon. This included arranging suitable venues and overseeing the logistics of the campaign. Lee-Ann van Sittert of The Cat Hotel said planning is already under way for the next Spay-a-thon, scheduled to take place from 16 to 18 September.
“We’re hoping to once again secure a suitable venue and receive the donations needed to make the next Spay-a-thon possible. Every contribution, whether it’s funding, blankets, pet food or the use of a venue, helps us reach even more animals and families in need.”
Smith and Van Sittert thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the Spay-a-thon, including the overseas volunteers from Cango Wildlife Ranch who assisted with post-operative care, the veterinary teams from Eden Small Animal Hospital and Vetsol, sponsor Synercore, and community members who donated blankets, pet food and other supplies.
The initiative aims to improve the health and welfare of companion animals, ease the burden on animal welfare organi-sations and prevent thousands of unwanted puppies and kittens from being born.
Those wishing to assist with future Spay-a-thons, whether through volunteering, donations or by making a suitable venue available, are encouraged to contact ODIN on 072 084 1374. (MALISSA SPIES)
Also read:
Diere-uitreikprojek lei tot redding van kind in nood