THE launch of the Mayoral Animal Care Movement (MACM) has made history in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Consisting of a number of projects focusing on animal welfare, the MACM is the first of its kind in the city. Partnerships with animal welfare organisations and the assistance of volunteers are key to the success of these projects.
The first-ever mass dog sterilisation project will start in Motherwell on June 10. The project will focus on dogs from across the city whose owners would not otherwise be able to afford the procedure.
“The metro is proud to be partnering with the Animal Welfare Society for the June 10 launch event where the aim is to sterilise approximately 200 dogs in one day,” said Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Athol Trollip.
“A further 480 dogs will be sterilised over a number of weeks in partnership with various veterinary clinics,” he said.
“To achieve this ambitious launch event target, we are calling for 14 volunteers, all of whom need to be qualified veterinary nurses or similar to assist with procedures on the day.”
MACM will focus on the care and welfare of both domestic and wild animals in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro.
According to Trollip, the initiative speaks to the coalition government’s vision of a forward-thinking city.
The MACM will be made up of a number of ongoing and new projects, some of which have already started.
“These projects aim to ensure the safety of residents, in instances where mismanaged animals pose risk, while also improving the welfare of all animals metrowide,” Trollip explained.
Another project that has already commenced is the redesign of weirs and the construction of fish ladders along the lower Baakens River.
This allows the migration of fish up and down the river, necessary to prevent the complete extinction of several threatened species of fish, endemic to the area.
“We are also in the process of procuring reflective ear tags for urban cattle that often go astray.
“This will make stray cattle visible to motorists, preventing accidents.
“A simple act of kindness and compassion towards a single animal may not mean anything to all creatures, but will mean everything to one.”
The metro is in need of 14 volunteers for the event on June 10, all of whom need to be qualified veterinary nurses or similar to assist with procedures on the day.
Any eligible and interested individuals can contact Mayor Trollip’s chief of staff on kadelbert@mandelametro.gov.za.
