Living a dog’s life in De Doorns has just become a much, much better existence, thanks to the efforts of animal lovers Sidewalk Specials.
During a project over the past three months, more than 300 dogs were sterilised and received medical attention. On Thursday 30 January a massive effort saw 80 dogs sterilised in one day. Each of these animals also received their inoculations, deworming, tick and flea treatment, a course of antibiotics, a bag of food and a collar. Nine sick dogs received medication, two surrendered dogs were taken to safety, an elderly pet was humanely euthanised and two emergency cases were transferred to a back-up vet.
The group aimed to change the culture of animal ownership, one clinic at a time. During their time in the township a total of 1 719 cats and 4 509 dogs were vetted, vaccinated and sterilised. According to Rachael Sylvester of Sidewalk Specials, these actions resulted in an estimated 70% reduction in birth rate, a 90% reduction in the rate of stray animals in the area and an 80% reduction in reported cases of parvovirus and distemper. More than 470 animals that were surrendered or confiscated were rehomed and 1 036 kennels were distributed.
“The positive impact within the De Doorns community is huge,” said Sylvester, “as evidenced by a marked increase in the number of people actively seeking out assistance for their animals for sterilisation and veterinary care.
“There’s fewer animals being chained, fewer free-roaming animals, reduction of dog bite injuries among the human and animal population as well as a lower uptake of new animals to households.
“Furthermore, it is now widely accepted within the De Doorns community that pets who visit the Sidewalk Specials Steri Clinic live longer are healthier, and sterilisation benefits an animal’s overall health and well-being.”
The group wants to run bi-weekly sterilisation and vet clinics for the community’s pets. “This will both address pet overpopulation and allow the township community to access veterinary care pre-emptively and more regularly,” said Sylvester. “This is our first step to creating a permanent welfare clinic in the De Doorns township.”
For more info on the project, visit www.sidewalkspecials.org.
