LANGKLOOF – ARK Animal Rescue, a volunteer-driven organisation established in 2025, is making a significant impact in addressing the lack of animal welfare services along the Langkloof R62.
What began as a small initiative in Kareedouw has grown into a vital support system for animals in Joubertina, Twee Riviere, Krakeel, Louterwater and Misgund.
Founded by Michelle Du Plessis and Lizette Ehlers, the organisation is rooted in a commitment to improving the lives of animals in underserved communities.
Operating entirely through volunteer efforts, ARK works to uphold the Five Animal Freedoms, including ensuring good nutrition, a suitable environment, good health, appropriate behaviour and positive mental experiences for animals in its care.
Du Plessis said that since its establishment, the organisation has sterilised more than 1,020 animals, while also providing rabies vaccinations, deworming, and tick and flea treatments.
“We also work on improving access to shelter, food and clean water, as well as educating communities about responsible pet ownership. In addition, countless injuries and diseases have been treated,” said Du Plessis.
The organisation emphasises sterilisation as a key component of animal welfare, helping to prevent unwanted litters, reduce disease and minimise suffering.
Du Plessis said that ARK follows a hands-on, holistic approach by working directly with families to build stronger relationships between people and their animals, while encouraging compassion, responsibility and long-term change within communities.
She said that as part of its ongoing efforts, ARK is currently running a kennel drive to provide shelter for animals exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Du Plessis said that with the assistance of volunteer Robert Croeser, kennels are being built, although demand continues to exceed available resources.
Looking ahead, she said that the organisation aims to establish a halfway house and safe haven for abused, abandoned and surrendered animals, as well as develop secure fenced enclosures and a cattery on available land.
Despite its growing impact, Du Plessis said that ARK remains unfunded and is still awaiting approval for its NPO registration.
“To date, all operations have been privately funded by the founders, which is a situation that is no longer sustainable,” said Du Plessis.
She said that they are therefore appealing for assistance in the form of fuel sponsorships, veterinary support, pet food donations, tick and flea treatments, building materials and a dedicated vehicle to continue their work.
In a recent sterilisation drive held over two days on 7 and 8 April, ARK, together with the Vetsol veterinary team, sterilised 91 animals.
“Each sterilisation contributes to reducing unwanted litters, limiting suffering and promoting healthier communities for both animals and residents,” said Du Plessis.
She thanked the Vetsol veterinary team, as well as supporters, Tassie with Love and Spay it Forward, and acknowledged the efforts of their volunteers, namely, Michelle Du Plessis, Sheldon Williams, Kayleen Joubert, Wilma De Goeda, Hendrik De Goeda and Travel Wentzel in Kareedouw.
Additional volunteers include Lizette Ehlers and Bianca Eloff in Joubertina, Jannike Oosthuizen in Krakeel and Monique Smith and Celeste Swartin Louterwater and Misgund.
Du Plessis said that the organisation continues to call on the public for support, emphasising that without assistance, its work cannot continue and that every contribution plays a role in saving lives.
For more information, contact Michelle Du Plessis at 084 512 5873 or Lizette Ehlers at 072 242 5792.
