Milan Kundera, a French writer, once said: “Humanity’s true moral test, its fundamental test… consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy – animals.”
In recent months there has been an increase in the incidents of animal abuse and cruelty across the board. We have seen and heard stories and footage on television and social media where animals are being killed and tortured and neglected, left to fend for themselves on the streets and try to survive against the odds.
Free roaming animals can also have a negative impact on the community. For example, animals who have been roaming the streets for a long time may contract diseases and illnesses as they are not being regularly vaccinated, and could spread these germs to other animals. In the event of humans being bitten by these infected animals, this could present a major health risk. These animals are also at a greater risk of suffering by death of environmental hazards such as motor vehicle accidents, where in most cases the driver speeds off and leaves the animal to die a painful death on the side of the road.
If you are an animal lover or just someone who cares, you know that we should take a stand and protect our furry friends! Below is a list of organizations you can contact or get involved with to help give our animals the love and respect that they deserve.
Pet Farewells
This organization provides a 7-days-a-week collection service of animal bodies. Their services include cremations, green burials and a tree dedication option where you can plant a tree as a tribute in memory of your beloved pet.
For more information you can contact Mandy on 082 563 2712 or via email on mandy@petfarewells.co.za or simply visit their website at petfarewells.co.za.
Obs Pets
This is a public group set up on Facebook where dedicated caregivers volunteer their time to provide food and water with compassionate care to the various Cat Colonies in the community on a daily basis. They buy food out of their own pockets and would highly appreciate any donations.
Log into facebook or visit the link below to find out more about how you can assist:
www.facebook.com/groups/obspets/about
PDSA
The PDSA is a non-profit organization that relies on donations and the support of the community to provide a welfare veterinary service that offers the following: vaccinations, deworming, sterilising of animals, ophthalmic corrections, dentals, burn treatments, skin treatments and education on how to care for your pet. The PDSA also has 9 Mobile units around the country including Cape Town, Soweto and George.
Visit their website to find out more : www.pdsa.org.za
Looking for a vet nearby?
Why not visit the Observatory Animal Clinic which is situated at 156 Lower Main Rd, Observatory, Cape Town. They open at 08:30 to 17:30 from Monday to Friday and from 09:00 to 12:00 on a Saturday. Call them on 021 447 1331 to find out more.
Looking to adopt?
Get in touch with Kairen Brooke Anderson at Caspian Alexander Trust on 021 448 5983 or pop in at 36 Kitchener Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town to learn more about how you can adopt.
Alternatively, visit the website at www.caspianalexandertrust.org/adopt
