An increase in admissions of abandoned and stray dogs added strain at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in Grassy Park, has inspired the launch of their annual fundraising dog walk which will help fund pet food and operating costs at the animal sanctuary.
The annual Woefie Wandel dog walk and Pet Fair returns to Reddam Field on Sunday 20 September, in Green Point Park, as the number of dogs entering SPCA care reaches 13 417.
People’s Post spoke with SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham, who discussed the needs and pressures the SPCA is experiencing at the facility.
A morning out with your own dog will help fund food, veterinary treatment, shelter, protection and responsible rehoming for dogs arriving at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, she added.
“That support is urgently needed. During the past year, the number of dogs admitted to the SPCA rose from 10 577 to 13 417, representing an increase of 26.9% in just one year. Dogs now account for almost half of all animals admitted by the organisation,” Abraham said.
Each dog must be taken in, assessed and cared for. Some need immediate veterinary treatment.
“Others require rehabilitation, behavioural support or time in the adoption kennels while the right home is found. The cost begins the moment they arrive,” she added.
Abraham says the SPCA does not make money by rehoming animals but has to raise funds to make their responsible rehoming efforts possible.
“On average, preparing one dog for adoption costs the Cape of Good Hope SPCA R7 143. This covers food, clean bedding, veterinary care, behavioural assessment and support, infection control, daily attention and follow-up after adoption. The SPCA must fund that care before an adopter is found,” she explained.
The dog walk will help fund the food, veterinary treatment, shelter and daily care those animals depend on.
The SPCA in Grassy Park is also appealing for volunteers to assist with dog walks.
On the day, participants can choose a relaxed 1,3 kilometre walk or a longer 1.9 kilometre route through Green Point Park. The day will also feature the Absolute Pets Pop-Up Shop and Pet Spa, stalls from leading pet care brands, training demonstrations, a photo booth, food stalls, a mini funfair, spot prizes, grand prize draws and popular competitions including Happiest Dog, Best Lookalike and Mutt of the Year.
The SPCA Mobile Clinic will provide free rabies vaccinations. Microchipping will be available for R150, giving pet owners an affordable way to improve the chances of being reunited with their animals if they are ever lost.
Very Important Pet Parent tickets cost R220 with parking or R180 without parking.
Each ticket includes admission for one person and one dog, together with a gift bag valued at more than R1 500. General entry costs R80 per person and R60 per dog.
Tickets are available at on Quicket. For more information email comms@spca-ct.co.za.
ALSO READ: The City and conservationists launch Adopt-a-tree in Muizenberg
