Proper animal welfare ensures that communities remain free of animal-borne diseases that can negatively impact people’s health.
Animal shelters and care centres play a pivotal role in ensuring vulnerable animals are accommodated, and vaccinated, and advocate that all animals be treated with kindness by people.
The Kathu Animal Welfare is one such organisation that has the safety of the community and animals at heart.
Ran by mother and daughter, Marietjie and Izandri Jansen van Vuuren, the non-profit organisation (NPO) has been active in the community for over 25 years, helping pet owners by facilitating sterilisations, providing free meals for the pets, and providing shelter to strays.
Realising the important work being done by this organisation, Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen Mine recently donated 50 blankets to support the efforts being made in caring for the animals.
Thandiwe Mapi, community liaison and public relations specialist at Sishen Mine, says caring for animals is caring for the community.
“The well-being of animals ensures that diseases and plagues are not transferred to people, thus helping communities thrive. We are grateful for the work being done by the Kathu Animal Welfare by giving pet owners from disadvantaged communities support.”
Covering areas such as Mapoteng, Sesheng, Khai Apple and Deben, the NPO often collaborates with the SPCA in animal rescue operations that seek to remove domestic animals from harmful environments.
