2024 PAWsome Stories by Faircape-Group

Pawsome Stories 2024

Mission

To advance the rights, welfare and health of all animals.

Vision

Our Vision is for all animals to live a life free of disease, cruelty and suffering.

Values

Kindness, respect, compassion, awareness and integrity are sacrosanct in all aspects of our mission and vision for a cruelty-free society.

All donations, no matter how big or small, help us to continue to be a voice for the voiceless.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so to our fundraising account or via our SnapScan link.

Alternatively, sign up for a monthly debit order: https://linkserv.emandate.co.za/AWSSA/

We always need donations of food, blankets and newspapers for our hospital patients.

to our 7th edition of Pawsome Stories!

Dear friends, supporters and fellow animal lovers

I really enjoyed compiling this edition of Pawsome Stories as it brought back a flood of happy memories of all the animals we have had the privilege of rescuing, rehabilitating, rehoming and releasing over the past awe-inspiring year.

I was also reminded of the incredible generosity of our donors and the selfless dedication of my colleagues who represent the behind-the-scenes Heroes of this compendium of uplifting stories.

Over and above this sampling of happy tales there are several highlights that stand out for me in particular this year namely:

• The acquisition of a brand new, customised truck for our Pet Sterilisation, Outreach and Disaster Relief teams

• The renovation of our Animal Care Centre entrance foyer

• The upgrade of our staff and volunteer common room and ablution facilities

• The replacement of our hospital roof

• The purchase of additional diagnostic equipment for our laboratory

• The generous investment in staff training and development

• Our soon-to-be-launched, ultra-slick website – all thanks to an incredibly generous gift from distinguished philanthropist, Neville Isdell, in celebration of his 80th birthday.

We continued to enjoy the support of OUTsurance and the Atlantic Athletic Club who, for the third consecutive year, chose us as the charity beneficiary of the 2024 OUTsurance Gun Run.

We also received another generous award from the remarkable Executive Mayor

of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, that we put towards sterilising, vaccinating and microchipping 1 002 cats and dogs in Hanover Park. I am also very proud to announce that we recently entered into a mutually beneficial partnership with the Humane Society International that will result in the augmentation of our disaster relief capabilities and pet sterilisation efforts.

Thanks to the generosity of William Simpson we now have a brand new, fully-sponsored JAC double cab vehicle to help get us to where we are most needed when disaster strikes.

We have umpteen reasons to celebrate, and to be grateful and optimistic about the future of the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, and I wish to thank everyone who has supported us over the past year. I would like to pay special tribute to those who remembered our beloved animals in their Wills.

So please join us as we celebrate the end of another spectacularly successful year and look forward to the beginning of a new year, filled with possibilities and promise.

Let us never take for granted the inestimable amount of joy that our pets gift us year-round.

Thank you!

Season’s greetings and best wishes.

Allan Perrins Head of Communications, Resource Development and Fundraising

About us

The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa was founded in March 1929. Our organisation is member-based, non-governmental and an autonomous NPO and registered PBO established to ensure the rights, health and welfare of all animals.

Over the past 95 years we have consistently executed our Mission to champion the cause of all animals. We have achieved this through:

❋ Professional veterinary care

❋ Inspectorate services

❋ Humane education, Sterilisation and Outreach projects

❋ Successful adoption and foster programmes that every year places many animals in loving forever homes

The Society relies almost solely on donations and does not receive state funding. Humane education as a pro-active animal cruelty preventative measure is pivotal in all we do. We offer a full range of veterinary services to the underprivileged and disadvantaged communities of the Cape Metro.

From our base in Philippi, we handle about 4 000 animals per month. Our clinic is open 7 days a week to accommodate those who are unable to bring their pets during the week. We have 4 fully-equipped and very busy theatres where we do sterilisations, orthopaedic operations and many other procedures.

At any one time we can house in excess of 175 sick or injured animals. We are committed to sterilising and microchipping every animal that comes through our hospital as part of our contribution towards reducing the number of strays, homeless and unwanted animals in the Cape Metro.

(B-BBEE Level 1)

Our Animal Care Centre takes in stray, homeless, unwanted, abused, and abandoned animals and finds them their forever homes. All animals at the centre are medically assessed, vaccinated, treated for internal and external parasites, microchipped and sterilised before leaving our care.

Our Inspectorate Department responds to daily calls for cases relating to animal cruelty and general neglect of animals, as well as ongoing reported cases of animal fighting in our communities. We often respond to reports of injured stray animals on our public roadways and assist with the treatment and care of wildlife.

MEET OUR PAWSOME TEAM

CEO: Dr J McMullen

Hospital Department

Vet: Dr Z Stoynova

Nursing Assistants

Mr C Samuels (Senior)

Mr J Le Roux

Mrs N Foord

Mr B Khumalo

Ms M Hennings

Hospital Assistants

Mr J Ngcakaza

Mr O Mdudu

Mr M Mgoduka

Mr M Mliki

Mr E Ngcakaza

Mr N Menziwa

Administration Department

Ms C Hoy (Manager)

Mr N Madikana (Hospital Receptionist)

Ms M Cerfonteyn (Switchboard Operator)

Inspectorate Department

Mr S Kilwa (Inspector)

Mrs C Fester (Inspectorate Controller)

Animal Care Centre, Humane Education and Outreach Department

Ms S Beukes (Adoptions Co-ordinator)

Animal Care Centre Assistants

Mr N Ngcakaza

Mr W Mphintsho

Mr J Nkotha

Head of Communications, Resource Development and Fundraising

Mr A Perrins

Maintenance Department

Mr I Kamiza

Mr R Mnwana

General Assistants

Ms L Tyatya

Ms E Sifuba

Hamsters AREN’T TOYS

A cautionary tale about holiday gifting

We estimate that hundreds of hamsters and other tiny pets are bought and given as gifts over the Festive Season. This is unethical and irresponsible and we want to remind anyone considering the purchase of a hamster as a gift to think twice – they are not toys!

Hamsters are in fact fragile, tend to bite (out of fear more than aggression), harbour several communicable diseases and require adult supervision. They need specific environmental enrichment and a suitable diet to keep them happy and in good health. Contrary to popular belief, they are not suitable for beginners, as a naïve owner whose hamster suffered a near-fatal accident was to discover.

The hamster came with a small cage that was fitted with a ball and exercise wheel –but in our experience not all ‘toys’ are fun and games.

The exercise wheel was more suited to a larger rodent and it started to spin faster and faster until he lost his grip and got his foot stuck in the spokes causing the wheel to come to an abrupt stop snapping his tiny leg in two. He fell to the ground and quickly burrowed into the floor of wood shavings to hide.

He was only discovered much later by his owner who picked him up and put him back onto the wheel where it quickly became apparent that he was unable to turn it by himself so he spun it around resulting in the hamster tumbling to the ground where he landed upside down exposing his twisted little leg.

At first it was thought that the leg may have to be amputated but on closer examination it was felt that the leg could be saved. The owner was given the good news, followed by a sobering quote for the delicate operation that our tiny patient survived.

A few days later the owner returned to surrender the hamster who he felt required too much effort. We readily agreed to admit the hamster who has since been adopted to a loving and knowledgeable family who have several well cared for rescued and adopted hamsters.

A Little Snip Goes a Long Way

Every year, thousands of healthy dogs and cats in South Africa are euthanised simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. We are working hard to turn the tide and better the fortunes of all animals.

For us, pet sterilisation translates into the prevention of cruelty to animals and remains one of the most effective tools at our disposal to humanely end pet homelessness and prevent animal cruelty.

Spaying (female) and neutering (male) helps curb the amount of unwanted and homeless pets and has numerous medical and behavioural benefits.

In our experience sterilised pets live longer and happier lives! It is also a legal requirement for all dog and cat owners in the Cape Metro to sterilise their pets over six months of age.

Spay and Neuter Today

Sterilisation lowers the risk of cancers and other health problems

Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer.

Sterilisation increases lifespan up to 3–5 years

Your sterlised pet will live a longer life, with a lower risk of cancers and other health problems.

Sterilisation reduces spraying, marking, aggression, and behavioural issues

Your spayed female won’t go into heat and your neutered male will be much better behaved. Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families.

Reduces roaming and vet bills

The cost of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with the neighborhood stray!

Spaying and neutering helps fight pet overpopulation.

Stolen Pitbull reunited with owner

In February we managed to reunite Gia, a five-year-old Pitbull from Pinati Estate, Lansdowne, with her greatful owner. We strongly suspect that Gia was stolen by a group of young boys after she slipped out the front door.

Gia’s owner spent days driving around trying to find her, and thanks to an observant passer-by, our quick-thinking team, and the owners decision to microchip his dog, we were able to quickly trace him and reunite them. Gia’s dad was very happy to have her back and was extremely grateful to our team who followed their instincts which led to her recovery and return.

This unfortunate incident ended well due to Gia being microchipped and it just goes to show what an invaluable investment this tiny and relatively inexpensive piece of technology is for pet owners.

To have your pet microchipped for a mere R100 all you need do is visit our hospital. The procedure is painless, takes only a few minutes, and the benefits last the lifetime of your pet.

survives and thrives after surgery Chameleon

At the onset of Spring our veterinary team pulled off a miracle by saving the life of a tiny endangered Cape Dwarf Chameleon with a punctured lung and a gaping hole in its side.

The skill required to successfully perform this delicate surgery, and the degree of post operative care needed to ensure she survived the stress of everything, was nothing short of impressive.

Head Theatre Nursing Assistant, Jaque Le Roux, poured his heart and soul into saving this delicate little patient who spent the night under his watchful eye before being transferred to a specialist care facility where we are confident she will make a full recovery in preparation for her release back to the wild.

Curious Kitten’s Close Call

Curiosity almost cost Suki, an adorable, 6-week-old kitten from Mitchells Plain, her life when she accidentally swallowed a sewing needle and thread.

Cats reportedly enjoy chewing on thin metallic objects that pet owners should never leave lying around!

Sewing needles, especially those with thread attached, are common foreign bodies removed from cats. Cats play with the thread and start eating it, eventually swallowing the needle attached to the thread.

Throughout the year we have removed tennis balls, a variety of needles, bones and mielie cobs from otherwise well cared for pets. We urge pet owners to be careful and vigilant about what they leave lying in reach of their pets.

Suki, who weighed only 850 grams, was reunited with her grateful owner a few days after the operation and is doing very well.

Pawsitive Pet Therapy

Our regular outings to Faircape Health Centres continue to lift the spirits of patients and staff alike. For many, it sparks happy memories!

Our animal visits offer hope and something to look forward to, and they go a long way towards reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness. There is a unique bond that animals bring, offering unconditional love without judgement.

The connection between people and pets is special at any age, and every interaction brightens someone's day. Allowing patients to connect with the dogs in our care benefits both the people and the animals, making it a win-win.

The true beauty of these 'pawsitive' petassisted therapy visits is that they’re also beneficial for the dogs in our care who are waiting to be rehomed.

Breaking the Cycle of Abuse

Pitbulls rescued from Hanover Park backyard breeder

Amid renewed calls for Pitbulls to be banned as domestic pets, we intervened in yet another Hanover Park backyard breeding operation, shutting down this despicable and illegal practice.

During our inspection, we found an unneutered adult male crossbreed dog chained to a makeshift shelter, an unspayed adult female Pitbull, and a Pitbull puppy chained and confined to their filthy hovel.

The only food available to them resembled rancid vomit scattered on the ground, and their water bowls were empty.

Anticipating a hostile reception, we were thankful to have an armed SAPS escort, as tensions escalated rapidly, especially when we presented the owner with a court order authorising our inspectors to confiscate the dogs.

Our inspectors stood firm, refusing to be intimidated. By removing the dogs, they

effectively ended this vicious cycle of abuse.

In our view, it is these uncaring owners and abusive, illegal scenarios that create the perfect storms that are responsible for many dog attacks.

These dogs endured unimaginable cruelty and abuse. They were treated like objects, not sentient beings. That’s akin to being tortured – day in and day out.

Their circumstances and the mistreatment they suffered made them a potential danger to society. They were not born vicious.

Now the hard work begins, as we start their rehabilitation and ensure that their owner does not become a repeat offender.

Dog Poisoned by Drug-Tainted Faeces: Warning to Pet Owners

A Claremont dog owner found herself rushing her 7-month-old adopted dog, Larry, to the vet after he accidentally ingested drug-tainted human faeces discovered in a flower bed on the sidewalk in Claremont.

Her sister, a qualified animal behaviourist who walks several groups of dogs at the Glen in Camps Bay, has had two similar near-fatal experiences with her own dog. She has also discovered other incidents at Keurboom Park and Rondebosch Common – both popular spots for dog walkers.

She reports that Larry was completely ‘spaced out’ shortly after they returned home, and his condition quickly deteriorated to the point where he required

emergency veterinary treatment for suspected poisoning.

That evening, Larry experienced a nerve-wracking repeat episode. He was extremely paranoid, unsettled, behaving erratically, and his heart was racing. The vet strongly suspects that the faeces contained traces of Tik or a similar substance.

The owner hopes to warn other dog owners of these incidents, which she believes are a consequence of the high number of displaced people – many with substance abuse issues – who sleep on the streets, parks, mountains, and other public spaces without access to ablution facilities.

Drug-tainted human faeces is not uncommon, and we urge all pet owners to be extra vigilant when out for a stroll with their dogs, especially in parks and other public areas frequented by drug users and others who defecate in the bushes and discard toxic drug paraphernalia in flower beds and other spots accessible to pets.

Larry has fortunately made a full recovery and is back to his usual antics, though his owner describes the incident as extremely frightening. Going forward, she plans to keep a supply of activated charcoal on hand to administer emergency first aid if needed.

Our hospital is well experienced in successfully treating poisoned pets, and anyone who suspects their pet may have ingested poison or another toxic substance should seek immediate veterinary help by calling our hospital on (021) 692 2626 or the emergency after-hours nurse on 082 601 1761.

Zach’s journey

From chains to hope

Zach is a beautiful one-and-a-half-yearold Crossbreed dog from Colorado Park. Unfortunately before Zach came to us he had been kept on a chain for his whole life.

His delinquent owner rarely paid him any attention other than to shout and throw objects at him for crying out in pain as he tried to break free from the noose that had become unbearably tight and embedded itself in his neck. The owner eventually decided that he needed to get rid of the dog that was causing to him too many ‘problems’.

He shamelessly brought Zach to us yanking him by the filthy length of chain dangling from his inflamed neck, showing total disregard for the obvious distress and pain that Zach was in. We then had to listen to lie after lie as he tried to sweettalk his way out of the situation.

At some point the gravity of the situation must have dawned on him and he fled without a second glance but Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa tracked him down and dealt with him!

Zach has made a remarkable recovery whilst in our care and all that remains is for us to find him a loving forever home. We have high hopes for Zach who has survived a lifetime of torment and abuse –he is overdue his opportunity of a second chance.

To meet and adopt Zach please contact Shannon on (021) 692 2626 or email shannon@awscape.org.za.

And hopefully a forever home

From Neglect to Love

Lucky’s journey to a new life

Lucky, a two-year-old male Boerboel cross, was grossly neglected and abused for his entire life.

His situation became life-threatening when his owner handed him over to a relative in the Brown’s Farm informal settlement in Philippi to be used as a guard dog. There, he was kept on a short chain weighing over 2 kg, starved, and neglected.

It was clear that his owner had never cared for him and never would – but we did!

Lucky was in our care for months without a single call or visit from anyone. During this time, he responded well to treatment for biliary and a host of other life-threatening issues.

His pressure sores, caused by being so emaciated and having to sleep on a bed of concrete, healed beautifully, and he thrived thanks to the love and care he received from our Animal Care Centre team.

Not long ago, Lucky was adopted by a won derful family who were looking for a gentle, large-breed dog, and they found exactly what they were searching for in him.

Protecting the Wild

Rescuing unlawfully kept Angulate Tortoises

Thanks to ongoing door-to-door animal welfare efforts in Hanover Park, our ever-observant Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa confiscated two unlawfully kept Angulate tortoises from a household that lacked the required permits.

Under the Nature Conservation Ordinance No. 19 of 1974, angulate tortoises are classified as a protected species. They may not be collected, transported, or kept without a permit issued by CapeNature, and should never endure a life of captivity, especially given the uncertain future of wild populations.

All wild animals taken into our care are provided with temporary shelter and expert treatment. Once they are fit and healthy, they are either released back into the wild or transferred to a specialist rehabilitation facility under CapeNature’s

A Very ‘Hoppy’ Ending

Pet shops do big business selling pet bunnies over Easter time but unfortunately they do not make for good ‘starter’ pets.

The story of Bunny, a four-year-old pet rabbit from Athlone, is a cautionary tale for those looking to add a rabbit to their family.

Bunny recently underwent surgery to remove two enormous, painful bladder stones from his ureters. This was the first time that our hospital team had performed this delicate procedure (known as a cystotomy) on a rabbit, and they were astounded by his rapid recovery.

Bunny was much happier after his surgery and his owner was advised that in order

to prevent a recurrence she would need to make a number of environmental and dietary changes. The most important change needed was a reduction of calcium in his diet as rabbits, unlike most mammals, absorb all the calcium from their diet.

It is not clear what causes bladder stones or uroliths in rabbits, but what we do know is that it’s a complicated condition with many potential predisposing causes necessitating life-long treatment.

Preventing bladder stones is important for the overall health and well-being of a rabbit. Symptoms, that can be intermittent and vary from rabbit to rabbit, include anorexia, decreased appetite, fewer droppings and a hunched posture.

To reduce the risk of rabbits developing bladder stones it is important to always provide them with a balanced diet, ample fresh drinking water and a clean hutch.

The moral of the story is that if you are considering getting a pet rabbit please adopt one from your nearest animal shelter to ensure that you can have them sterilised. You also need to be aware that they have a lifespan of around ten years and that they are rambunctious, highmaintenance pets with very specific dietary and environmental needs required to keep them happy and healthy.

Our personal recommendation to anyone considering a ‘flavour of the month Easter Bunny pet’ is rather go for something chocolatey.

Most chicken owners would 'call it a day' if they discovered their chicken had a broken leg, but not this owner – and certainly not our hospital team, who considered this little bantam who hopped into our lives too precious for the pot!

It’s a mystery how this excitable, feathery little fellow broke his leg, and a real triumph that we were able to mend it without causing him any unnecessary pain or distress.

Ever since being reunited with his owner, both can’t stop crowing about just how awesome we are!

Too Precious for the pot Cat caught more than he bargained for

A beautiful ginger and white cat came into our hospital in November after finding himself in a fishy situation.

He had accidentally managed to get a barbed fish hook stuck in his nose.

Our fantastic hospital team successfully removed the hook, and this gorgeous boy went on to make a speedy recovery.

Friendship

is more precious than Gold

In March we had the pleasure of hosting one of our dearest Legacy Club members, Ms Jean Jackson (90 years old – who would have guessed!). Jean travelled all the way from Kent in the UK to come and spend the morning with us.

Missy, our delightfully mischievous office cat, took an instant liking to Jean, who adores all animals (especially cats), and followed her

around like a long-lost friend as if to say “Welcome, and thank you for remembering us in your Will.”

Jean’s much anticipated visit was one of the highlights of our year and hosting her, and her longstanding friend Agi, was one of the most enjoyable tasks we have had to perform. We welcome every opportunity to engage with testators, donors and bequest considerers.

Gigi’s Miraculous Journey Gigi’s Miraculous Journey From tragedy to triumph

Gigi has undergone an astonishing transformation since being rescued by Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa six months ago. His anguished meows were heard by the mother-in-law of his abuser, who had brutally bludgeoned the then 4-monthold kitten with a broom and attempted to bury him alive.

When he arrived, Gigi was covered in dirt and fighting for his life, his injuries severe. Yet, three weeks later, he was miraculously declared fit enough to leave our care and join a wonderful new family.

Since then, Gigi has gone from strength to strength, blossoming into the most gorgeous cat imaginable. His new family adore him and recently shared a few photos that we simply had to pass on to everyone who supported this extraordinary little kitten, who purred his way into all our hearts and defied seemingly insurmountable odds.

Onwards and upwards, Gigi. We love you!

Snuggle Season Snuggle Season

How to keep your pets warm in Winter

It’s easy to look at your cat or dog covered in fur and assume they’ll be fine outside when it’s cold. The reality is that most pets struggle to tolerate the cold, just like us.

There are several things you can do to keep them warm and safe during winter:

• Provide them with a kennel and blanket.

• Allow them access indoors.

• Keep walks and outdoor time to a minimum.

• Sweaters and jumpers are not only fashionable but functional. Shorthaired or small pets should definitely wear a sweater or jumper to stay warm. Fur offers limited protection from the elements, especially if it’s wet. The dogs in our care wear jumpers from our friends at With Love from Themba These jumpers are handcrafted with love in support of rescues and are endorsed by all our furry friends.

• Keep cats indoors. Without access to shelter, they can easily succumb to hypothermia in the cold. Cats also tend to seek warmth in potentially dangerous places, such as under car bonnets.

Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pet. Please provide them with adequate protection.

EXOTIC pet patients

From ‘scales to tails’ our hospital treats an amazing variety of animals.

Over the years we have treated numerous exotic pet patients, and earlier this year we were presented with a couple of challenging cases from Hanover Park.

An African Grey Parrot, named Gamat, who underwent surgery to remove a bothersome cyst from his throat, as well as an injured Rainbow Lorikeet that had been badly mauled by a rat.

Whilst we are opposed to the keeping of exotic pets, especially caged birds, you will be pleased to know that both of these feathery friends are fortunate enough to live in large flight cages allowing them a generous amount of room to fly around.

Our hospital is open on Sundays and Public Holidays from 08:00 to 12:00 and we invite you to call us on (021) 692 2626 (during office hours) or 082 601 1761 (after hours) should your pet require professional veterinary care.

Passion is a powerful motivator

We are very proud to announce the graduation of Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa, who has now joined the elite corps of Animal Welfare Inspectors.

What makes his achievement extraordinary is that Sivuyile 'followed his heart'. He began in the hospital as a parttime Ward Orderly, where his compassion for animals shone brightly. This earned him the recognition of management, who rewarded him with the opportunity to qualify as an Animal Welfare Inspector.

Sivuyile embraced the challenge and defied the odds by recently attaining the second-highest pass mark in his class.

On Thursday, 26 September, AWS SA CEO Dr John McMullen proudly presented Inspector Kilwa with his Inspector epaulets during an award ceremony. He was congratulated on his fantastic achievement and thanked for his years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that led to this brilliant success.

This achievement is a testament to Inspector Kilwa’s perseverance and commitment to the welfare of animals, marking the beginning of his journey towards greatness in the animal welfare profession.

During his acceptance speech, which was almost drowned out by loud cheers and deafening clapping, Inspector Kilwa expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him over the years. He thanked them for their encouragement, which helped ensure his success and preparedness for this momentous occasion.

We wish him continued success in all his future endeavours.

A Digital Leap Forward

AWS SA enhances efficiency with new computer system

Working smarter and moving with the times are key to success, which is why we decided to invest in the computerisation of our hospital.

Being more efficient makes us more effective, meaning we can help even more animals, reduce turnaround times, and, not to mention, benefit from investing in the training and development of our nursing team. They’ve quickly adapted to some of the incredible features of our computer system, which went live in May 2024.

This milestone accomplishment will go a long way towards improving service delivery, eliminating frustrations, and future-proofing the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa.

We could never have embarked on such an ambitious project without help, and we wish to thank our amazing Patron, Pamela Isdell, for once again investing in our future, leading up to its triumphant launch.

Having the ability to process timeconsuming manual transactions quickly and accurately is a proverbial life-saver.

A Lifeline in the Storm

Supporting communities and pets in Philippi

The Western Cape was battered by stormy weather and declared a disaster area in July 2024. Sadly, all of the indigent communities we serve were badly impacted.

The full extent of the loss and suffering became heartbreakingly apparent when our team – led by our CEO, Dr John McMullen (Dr Mac) – visited Springfield, Jabula, Kampies, Groenvlei, and Sandvlei informal settlements in Philippi.

The team provided the highly appreciative residents and their pets with desperately needed food parcels. Blankets were given to both the residents and their pets, along with clothing and some treats for the children. The children latched onto the team as they went door-to-door wanting to see and hear first-hand what more could be done to alleviate the suffering.

Many of the homes were underwater, so encouraging pet owners to bring their pets inside was futile. However, we did notice a few homes with raised beds, cupboards, and chairs occupied by cats and dogs, and we decided to admit those left with no protection from the stormy weather into our safekeeping.

We also admitted several homeless animals and injured pets. Together with the various community leaders, we made arrangements to sterilise, vaccinate, and microchip all of the pets from these beleaguered areas.

The fact that we were able to positively impact the lives of so many pets and people is largely thanks to our donors and volunteers, whose selfless contributions left an indelible positive mark on everyone who benefited from our efforts.

Our Very Own Wildlife First Responders

Thanks to Michelle Watson, internationally certified wildlife rehabilitator, educator, and founder of Wildlife Rescue SA (www.wildliferescuesa.co.za), we now have a team of trained Wildlife First Responders. Wildlife Rescue SA now has a new base at the Koegelberg Biosphere and Wildlife Rescue and Training Centre (www.kogelbergbiosphere.org.za/ wildlife-rescue/) near Betty’s Bay.

Head Theatre Nursing Assistant Jaque Le Roux and Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa, who form the core of our newly established Incident Response Team, both found the course extremely useful and practical.

It was also a great opportunity to network with others in the profession.

The course is immensely beneficial, as it helps mitigate the unnecessary removal of wild animals into our care. It equips our team with the skills needed to perform both in-person and telephonic triage and administer essential first aid in the field.

The practical and life-saving skills gained from this course will benefit any animal, including domestic and farm animals. The course is approved by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council and counts for 10 CEUs towards IWRC Certification.

Partnerships for change

Media Top Dogs unite to support Animal Welfare

In August we were honoured to host an influential group of senior representatives from the media, including; Thulani Magazi (Editor, People’s Post and City Vision), Cecilia Hume (Editor, TygerBurger), Aletta Ellis (Publisher, WP Media – People’s Post, the TygerBurger and City Vision), and Shafiek Braaf (Sales Manager, WP Media).

The delegation got to hear and see firsthand what a magnificent difference the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa is making under tough circumstances and pledged to partner with us in our quest to end animal cruelty, pet overpopulation and pet homelessness.

The success of any animal welfare organisation depends in part on effective relations with the media.

We are very excited about the prospects of this partnership that offers us better opportunities to effectively connect with thousands of like-minded and compassionate readers.

To be able to stand on the shoulders of these industry giants represents a huge victory for AWS SA and the animals we serve.

We are truly appreciative of their interest and support!

A Bag Full of Second Chances

Our thrift shop, conveniently located at Hart Nursery, 350 Ottery Road in Ottery, is a treasure trove of pre-owned gems. If you’re looking to shop for a worthy cause at discounted prices, look no further!

The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 to 17:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 16:00. All proceeds go towards our pet sterilisation, vaccination, microchipping, and humane education outreach

projects in underprivileged areas on the Cape Flats.

We’re firm believers in second chances and hope you’ll accept our invitation to support our nifty thrift shop.

If you have any unwanted, lightly used items gathering dust, please feel free to drop them off at the shop. Alternatively, contact Cécile Rohlandt on 072 457 4192 or at cecile70animalwelfare@gmail.com to arrange collection.

Leave a lasting legacy Leave a lasting legacy

There is no greater legacy to leave than a beating heart that would not have had a chance without YOU. South Africa celebrates National Wills Week from the 16 to 20 September.

Leaving a charitable bequest in your Will can have a lasting impact on a charitable organisation and provide a significant source of income for that charity. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving. During Wills Week, we ask that you consider choosing the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa as a beneficiary when preparing your Will.

Leaving a bequest to the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa is a simple yet remarkable gesture. Charitable bequests are one of our most critical sources of long-term funding, enabling us to plan for the Society’s future needs and thereby ensuring its sustainability.

Whether this comes in the form of a monetary donation, a percentage of your estate, property, an asset, or shares, the impact is significant. A bequest or

donation made to a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), like the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, is exempt from donations tax and/or estate duty. Likewise, assets donated to a PBO are not subject to capital gains tax. There are many benefits to leaving a bequest, which your estate planner can elaborate on.

Create a meaningful legacy by leaving a bequest to the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, allowing us to continue positively impacting the causes you care about, even after your lifetime. It is a way to ensure that your values and support continue to benefit others far into the future.

To find out more about leaving a legacy, please contact Allan Perrins on 078 631 5126 or email allanperrins@awscape.org.za.

Heritage Day Pawty

Heritage Day was the perfect occasion for us to share some of our good fortune and abundance of love with our less fortunate neighbours from the Springfield Informal Settlement, who also had the chance to experience the unconditional love of the dogs and puppies in our care.

Thanks to a fantastic team effort and an incredible turnout, everyone enjoyed a fun-filled day. The event provided a welcome escape from harsh realities while fostering kindness, compassion, and care for one another—and, most importantly, for animals.

The day was especially rewarding for the children, who had a memorable experience. Trainee Inspector Ms Crystal Fester and her team came up with this creative approach to demonstrate that teaching compassion can be fun, leaving a positive impact on everyone involved.

Mandela Day

Our 2024 Mandela Day event was a

resounding success!

We had a fantastic turnout that not only benefitted the animals in our care but also brought joy to their caregivers, who thoroughly enjoyed hosting our guests. Mandela Day is best measured not by individual achievements but by the collective good achieved. Thanks to the incredible turnout, we succeeded in making a real difference.

A big thank you to Buco Montague Gardens and Academy Brush Ware for their generous contribution. They helped us revamp our pet grooming parlour and theatre entrance, leaving them looking 'good as new'. In addition, they generously left us a large supply of high-quality paint, brushes, and rollers, enabling us to freshen up other areas in need of a 'lick' of paint.

We are also incredibly grateful to Kays, Laguna Textiles and With Love from Themba for providing our dogs with warm blankets and stylish jumpers, and to the City of Cape Town for their generous pile of gifts and treats.

Thank you to Mukuru Cares for going the extra mile to join us on this memorable occasion, and to the endless stream of animal lovers who showed up and made the day truly special.

Run, Wag, Repeat

OUTsurance Gun Run delivers big for rescue animals

We had a fantastic time at the 30th OUTsurance Gun Run held in Greenpoint, where we were presented with a cheque for R100,000, which was put towards our Mass Pet Sterilisation and Vaccination Projects. But that’s not all!

We also found loving forever homes for three deserving dogs who accompanied us on the 5km dog walk, which attracted a delightful mix of 294 furry friends. Among the first to be adopted was Lola, whom we found confined to a kennel and suffering from a broken leg at a building site in Ottery. Another early adopter was the irresistible Freckles, a once neglected, unwanted puppy who crossed the finish line in 1st place.

In addition, we signed up several new volunteers with amazing skills from the crowd of enthusiastic visitors to our Activation Station and received an extra R1 000 in donations from participants.

We are very grateful for this successful partnership with OUTsurance. We would like to thank them, as well as the Atlantic Athletic Club, the runners and dog walkers who turned up in their thousands, Top Events, and the race sponsors for allowing us to be part of this iconic race.

This generous donation will enable over 200 pet sterilisations, leaving a legacy that everyone involved can be proud of.

We’re already looking forward to the 2025 OUTsurance Gun Run, which is sure to be as enjoyable and meaningful as this year's race. We hope to see everyone with a shelter pet joining the dog walk, which has the potential to evolve into a 'Pet Palooza' of epic proportions!

Our newest volunteer, Mteki 'Emery' Kajuru, said that the weekend was one of the best experiences of his life, and we wholeheartedly agree.

Are you getting the most OUT of your

Turning a Molehill into a Mission Turning a Molehill into a Mission

To many, moles are nothing more than pesky little creatures, with their environmental benefits often overshadowed by their perceived destructive behaviour.

However, we consider them to be 'ecoengineers' worthy of conservation and deserving of our care. The Philippi Horticultural Area, where we are based, is home to an abundance of these elusive animals. They only make an appearance now and then, and these rare sightings are often when they are most vulnerable.

Recently, our hospital team was presented with an injured Cape Dune Mole Rat, which we suspect had been mauled by a dog. The mole rat had several painful puncture wounds on its legs and abdomen, making it difficult for it to burrow and move around.

After several days of successful treatment, we safely released our furry friend into our grounds. Based on the noticeable increase in mole activity, it seems that he has quickly settled in and made himself at home.

Eco-Engineer

A final word from the Top Dog’s desk

Fundraising for animal welfare can often feel like an uphill battle.

Unlike human services, where the impact is immediate and visible, our work at the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa focuses on giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves – our animals.

What drives us is knowing that every Rand raised directly translates into lives saved: a puppy rescued from abuse, a senior dog finding comfort in its final days, or a rehabilitated animal thriving in a loving forever home.

But we also recognise that it takes creativity and connection to inspire people to see the value in our work.

We are always looking for new ways to tell our stories, build trust, and connect our community’s passion to the urgent needs of the animals we serve.

When we connect hearts to our mission, we not only raise funds, but we also build a movement of individuals who care deeply about the wellbeing of animals.

We hope that this collection of short stories does just that – bridges the gap between empathy and action, and inspires you to support a cause that truly matters: the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa.