FERAL CAT ACTION CAPE TOWN
FERAL CAT ACTION – CAPE TOWN
Why taking care of them is so important.
The Recession
People are not the only ones suffering from the current economic recession in South Africa – local dogs and cats are victims also.
The real-life consequences of our economic plight have hit animals hard. The relinquishment rate to animal shelters has skyrocketed, people living on fixed incomes can no longer afford dog and cat food and animals are being abandoned in foreclosed homes that people were forced to leave.
Most shelters in South Africa currently experience a decrease in the number of animals adopted, but the number of dogs/cats being brought in and surrendered by their owners is going up.
The most common reasons why people take their pets to shelters are:
Breeding:
You will find a lot of irresponsible breeders/back yard breeders who think they are going to make a “quick buck” by breeding with their female dogs. Most of these breeders don’t establish first whether or not there is a demand for a specific breed of dog. Eventually they cannot find homes for the puppies, and what do they do? Take them to the nearest SPCA.
Backyard breeding is the biggest factor that contributes to the overpopulation of pets. Over a million domestic pets are euthanized by animal shelters in South Africa yearly. Please think before you breed!
Emigration:
South Africans are leaving the country at an alarming rate to seek “greener pastures” in other countries like Australia and New Zealand.
But what about their beloved pets?
Quarantine laws in some countries can be traumatic to pets and owners, so to avoid stress, the pet is surrendered to an animal shelter. It is also very expensive to take your dog/cat with you to another country. But the question is: Is it always in the best interest of the animal to take him to a shelter? For example: Who will be willing to adopt a relatively old dog/cat? Yes, one might find someone, but it’s not going to be easy to find such an old pet a good home. Is pet euthanasia not maybe a more humane option to consider when you are emigrating?
Cost of Pet Maintenance:
Let’s face it. If you want to take proper care of your dog/cat, it’s definitely not cheap. Veterinary costs which includes sterilization/castration, treatments of sick/injured dogs/cats and annual vaccinations are increasing each year. Even pet food is not a cheap item anymore – especially if your dog/cat have special dietary needs like pets with skin conditions/diabetes. In these cases you have to feed your dog/cat prescribed veterinary food.
At first, most people don’t realise the actual cost of a pet and only realise later on that they are not prepared to take on the financial responsibility for their pets. What do they do? Take them to the nearest SPCA. Hopefully, the dog/cat will find a new owner who are prepared to take full responsibility in every way.
Changed circumstances:
Due to the recent recession, some of us found it very hard to maintain our living standards. Some people lost their jobs and since they could no longer afford to pay the rent on their houses/townhouses, were forced to move to a small flat/granny flat where, in most cases, their beloved pets are not allowed.
Elderly people are sometimes forced to give up their homes due to sudden illness and then they must move to an old aged home. Most Old Age homes don’t allow pets. This is such a shame as animals are therapeutic to old aged people and give them something “to live for”.
Due to these unforeseen circumstances, some people are forced to surrender their once beloved pets to a shelter.
Feeding programmes:-
We are currently experiencing a huge need for pet food, especially dog food.
At this stage we feed about 180 dogs in the Dunoon Informal Settlement areas as well as some dogs and cats in small holdings (West Coast Areas). 198 cats are being fed 365 days per year in Paarden Island .
There are hundreds of dogs and cats due to the overpopulation of animals in the townships. Many of these animals are stray dogs and have to fend for themselves.
2 Kilogram food parcels are given to the dog owners on a monthly basis. For most dogs, these food parcels last for about 5 days, but unfortunately, we are not in a position to give more than the 2 kilo’s per dog.
This adds up to about 360 kilograms of dog food per month.
For the rest of the month most of the dogs are dependent on “mieliepap” given by their owners to survive.
The recession has a big influence on the animals as well. Most of the people don’t even have food for themselves. Therefore, they don’t even have “mieliepap” to feed their dogs.
As you know, dog and cat food are not “cheap” items anymore. We are currently buying the food out of our own pockets.
People occasionally donate dog and cat food, but unfortunately not on a regular basis.
Donations:-
We urgently require donations for food and sterilisation of animals and would appreciate a monthly contribution as much as we would appreciate a once off donation.
If you want to you can make the contribution directly to our supplier where we get our food from. It would be highly appreciated.
Donations to us:
Bank: First National Bank – Tableview
Branch Code: 203809
Account number:6231647765
account name: Feral cat action CPT
ref: your name
or directly to the supplier:
Absa Bank: Cheque account
account name: Montego Feeds
account number: 4051590652
branch code: 632005
account name: FER001
Thank you so much for your contribution it is highly appreciated..
We also support LEAPS ( Lambert and Elands Animal Protection Services)
Just sms the word “LEAPS” to 40131 to donate R20
