Cheryl Lyn’s Rescue Organisation (CRO) is facing an urgent and uncertain future after the farm that has served as its primary sanctuary was placed on the market, leaving the future of hundreds of rescued animals in doubt.

Founder Cheryl-Lyn Potgieter says the situation has left her emotionally overwhelmed as she tries to secure safety for the animals currently in her care.

“Every day I wake up with a heavy heart, wondering what tomorrow will bring for our rescue animals,” said Potgieter. “The farm that has been home to so many abandoned, abused, and unwanted dogs is up for sale. Time is running out, and I honestly do not know where our dogs — or even I myself — will be going.”

The organisation’s role is to rescue, rehabilitate, re-home and provide the best care possible for neglected and abused animals, bringing them back to health, both mentally and physically.

Puppies in urgent need of rescue

Alongside the uncertainty surrounding the property, Potgieter has issued a desperate appeal for help after 10 puppies and their mother were found struggling to survive in Site 5, Dunoon.

“Our rescue is already extremely full, yet my heart is breaking because there are 10 innocent puppies and their mother struggling to survive,” she said. “They need safety, food, love and a chance at life.”

She added that while the organisation is at capacity, she is willing to personally assist in collecting the animals if a rescue, shelter, foster home or individual can take them in.

Search for a permanent home

CRO is also urgently searching for a new farm or property that can serve as a long-term sanctuary for its animals.

“At the same time, we are desperately searching for a farm or property that can become a forever home for our rescue animals,” Potgieter said. “A place where they can run freely, heal from their pasts, and wait for loving families to find them.”

The organisation currently cares for around 160 animals, many of whom have been rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment across areas including Melkbosstrand, Table View and Milnerton.

Operations under pressure

Potgieter says the ongoing pressure has forced CRO to temporarily close its doors to new intakes, as staff and volunteers focus on the animals already in their care.

“There’s a phone that never stops ringing. Each call is a life that needs saving,” she said. “We’ve always said yes — even when it was hard, even when we didn’t know where the next bag of food would come from. But now we have to pause and focus on the animals already in our care.”

The organisation is urging the public to assist by sharing appeals, offering land, or providing temporary foster care for animals in need.

Potgieter says every act of support could make the difference between safety and uncertainty for the animals depending on CRO’s care.

“The lives of these puppies, their mother, and so many other rescued animals depend on the kindness of people who care.”

For more information on how to help, call Cheryl on 082 770 2667 or send an email to info@cro-animal-rescue.org.za. The public can also visit Cro-animal-rescue.org.za/donate to support animals in need.

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