Even though they began assisting animals in Patensie just seven months ago, the newly established Patensie Animal Care Team (P.A.C.T) is ready to expand its services to Hankey.
Mogi Smit mentioned that she co-founded P.A.C.T with Sus Nel in July 2024 after recognising the need for assistance in the local township.
This realisation came while they were helping SPCA Assisi Humansdorp during an animal dip day hosted in Cyril Ramaphosa Village, Patensie.
Smit said they then began visiting the village at least twice a week to distribute food, deworm, and offer tick and flea medication.
They also used the opportunity to educate the youth about taking care of their animals.
“We ensure that the dogs have access to fresh and clean water and advise the owners that keeping a dog on a chain is unnecessary and very unfair to the animal. We try to replace homemade chains and painful collars with softer leads and collars,” said Smit.
She said that they offer mobile dip days when they drive from street to street to dip and powder dogs from the back of their bakkie.
Smit mentioned that their most successful dip drive was when they managed to dip 78 dogs in a single morning.
Although they initially started with just herself and Nel in assisting the community, they are gradually expanding and currently have two local boys helping them.
“Through this initiative, the two young chaps helping us can educate their friends and family too,” said Smit.
“We firmly believe in involving the youth and by continued commitment to our cause we strive to make the Patensie area and surrounds a better place for all our four-legged babies.”
She said that they focus heavily on sterilising dogs and cats to stop unnecessary breeding.
Thus far, they have successfully sterilised 59 dogs and eight cats.
Smit said that they were thankful for the assistance they have received from Spay It Forward, SPCA Assisi Humansdorp, and J.Bay Animal Rescue Sanctuary, who have sponsored and hosted their animal sterilisations.
“Without all the veterinarians and staff involved, we would not be able to do what we do. Sterilisation is key, and the answer to preventing unnecessary litters,” said Smit.
She said that they have donated at least 29 kennels and blankets to dogs and cats in need and distribute between 60kg and 80kg of pellets a week.
“We believe that no animal should go cold, hungry, or thirsty. If humanity prevails, we can make a massive difference,” said Smit.
“Some mornings we are up at the crack of dawn, feeding, watering, and laying down beds, and as tough as some days are, we carry on doing what we do. We often come home with an empty bakkie but happy hearts, always hoping for another sponsorship of food, money, or assistance.”
She said that they recently branched out to offer their services to surrounding farms, which has provided them with the opportunity to educate people staying on local farms about the importance of sterilising dogs and cats.
Smit said that many of the people staying on the farms are destitute and, while their love for their “four-legged children” prevails, finances do not always allow them to do what is best for their animals.
She said that they have also managed to rehome beautiful puppies who would have otherwise lived a life of hunger and thirst.
To continue offering assistance to dogs and cats in need, Smit said that they would appreciate donations of food, medication, dipping supplies, kennels, blankets, water, food bowls, brushes and dip baths.
The official launch of P.A.C.T will take place on March 22 at Backyard Pub in Jeffreys Bay.
The event will start at 11:00 and showcase a live performance by Quintes.
A R20 raffle will also be offered with a massive liquor prize up for grabs.
Smit said that they are requesting guests to bring along dog food, which will be distributed to dogs in need.
For more information or to contribute to the Patensie Animal Care Team, contact Mogi Smit at 065 185 2468.
