KNYSNA NEWS - Braving the icy weather, hundreds of pet lovers turned up with their pets outside the Concordia library on Wednesday 4 July during a community outreach clinic in the township above Knysna. This monthly clinic was initiated by Penny Mainwaring, co-owner of Emzini Tours; and Knysna Veterinary Clinic, the oldest and largest veterinary hospital in the Southern Cape.

“With hundreds of dogs in the informal settlement, there is a constant need for vaccinations, sterilisation, deworming and general pet care services,” says Mainwaring. “However, not all residents can afford to take their pets to the vet, so we approached Knysna Veterinary Clinic to sponsor the outreach,” she said.

This month, together with volunteer vet Dr Kati Plumstead, Dr Mark Shortreed vaccinated more than 120 dogs and cats.

“It's wonderful to be involved in an initiative like this and to see the difference we are making in the lives of animals and owners living in Concordia. Every month we have vets, veterinary nurses and members of the public who volunteer their time to help with the clinic. However, the costs of the vaccines, dewormers and medication dispensed amount to around R7 000 a month. This initiative will not be sustainable without sponsorships from the community", says Shortreed.

Would you like to help?
Dr Shortreed invites Knysna residents or businesses to sponsor future outreaches. Interested parties can contact the clinic on 044 382 1844, or email vets@knysnavet.co.za to find out how to sponsor.

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