Living a dog\u2019s life in De Doorns has just become a much, much better existence, thanks to the efforts of animal lovers Sidewalk Specials.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe positive impact within the De Doorns community is huge,\u201d said Sylvester, \u201cas evidenced by a marked increase in the number of people actively seeking out assistance for their animals for sterilisation and veterinary care. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cFurthermore, 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\u2019s overall health and well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group wants to run bi-weekly sterilisation and vet clinics for the community\u2019s pets. \u201cThis will both address pet overpopulation and allow the township community to access veterinary care pre-emptively and more regularly,\u201d said Sylvester. \u201cThis is our first step to creating a permanent welfare clinic in the De Doorns township.\u201d <\/p>\n
For more info on the project, visit www.sidewalkspecials.org. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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