KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) urges animal owners to neuter their pets and asks for financial help from the community since one spay day costs at least R20 000.
There are probably very few, if any, places on earth where each and every dog and cat has a loving home. Sadly, the number of animal shelters that exist throughout the world, is a sad testament to this. Millions of dogs, cats and other animals are in dire need of help simply to survive.
Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS) was started decades ago by a group of concerned animal lovers, to address the problem of stray and unwanted animals in Knysna and the surrounding areas from Harkerville to Sedgefield and Karatara, and to assist those pet owners unable to afford private veterinary care. But despite the enormous growth in the organisation, the problems have also increased exponentially with the passage of time, and demand for KAWS’ services is a seemingly bottomless pit.
The solution seems simple – stop the breeding of unwanted puppies and kittens. The reality, however, is far from simple. Too many pet owners do not take responsibility for neutering their pets. Some breed intentionally, others allow breeding through ignorance of the consequences, while still others intend to neuter their pets but wait until it’s too late and their dogs or cats unexpectedly fall pregnant.
Unlike dogs, which have two heat cycles a year, cats can have several.
The first cycle is generally around six months of age, but can be as young as four months, and a mother cat can fall pregnant again before her litter is weaned. Even female dogs can fall pregnant as young as five months. Owners need to be aware of the signs and neuter their pets before they have the chance to fall pregnant. And the myth that a female dog or cat should have a litter before being spayed is just that – a myth that bears no truth.
With their kennels overflowing with strays and surrendered dogs and cats, a large part of KAWS’ work is focused on sterilising as many dogs and cats as possible. Apart from the animals brought to the clinic for neutering, the three KAWS inspectors are out in the field on a daily basis helping to identify animals for sterilisation and facilitating the procedure by transporting them to and from the KAWS’ clinic.
But the highlights in the KAWS’ calendar are the mass sterilisation days when a team of veterinarians, KAWS staff and volunteers work together to sterilise as many dogs and cats as possible from the disadvantaged communities. Up to eighty-five animals have been sterilised on a single day, and this goes a long way to prevent a multitude of unwanted puppies and kittens from being born, only to be abandoned, neglected or abused.
The ‘spay days’ also serve to create awareness of the importance of neutering and to educate the owners in the care of their pets.
For the past few years, KAWS has held two spay days a year; the cost and logistics have prevented them from being held more frequently. Although the veterinarians and volunteers offer their time at no charge, there are still many expenses incurred, with the medication required being the biggest of these. In fact, when transport, medicines and other incidental expenses are totalled, a single spay day costs at least R20 000.
Last year, KAWS was extremely grateful to be on the receiving end of sponsorship for the spay days from global insurance brokers, Marsh, and the Rotary Club of Knysna.
The next spay day will be held on Sunday 17 April at the Chris Hani Community Hall in Nekkies, Knysna, and KAWS is appealing to local business and to the public to donate to the cost of this crucial event.
If you would like to make a personal donation towards to "spay-day", our bank account details are:
Knysna Animal Welfare Society
FNB
Branch Code 250655
Account Number 52700033146
Reference SPAY-DAY
KAWS would also welcome donations of the following items that are needed on the day: newspaper, blankets, towels, dog collars, leads or harnesses (these can be used items in good condition), nylon rope, masking tape, ball-point pens, felt-tipped pens, printer paper, suture material, bandages, swabs.
These items can be delivered to the KAWS Kennels on 1 Marlin Street, or call Debbie on 044 384 1603 to arrange collection.
Bubblegum is one of the kittens available for adoption.
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