The City of Cape Town has approved the allocation of R500 000 for the implementation of a mass animal sterilisation pilot project in the Dunoon area.
Because the City does not render a service of this nature, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA was approached to develop a business plan, in consultation with the Provincial Animal Welfare Forum and the Provincial Department of Agriculture, for a pilot project to be performed on behalf of City Health. The SPCA is mandated in terms of legislation to deal with animal welfare and is also a member of the Cape Animal Welfare Forum.
Dunoon was chosen as the site for this pilot project as it is a geographically contained location, thereby making it easier to accurately measure the effects of the project and inform the City’s future spending on this problem.
In order for the project to be successful it is estimated that at least 70% of all animals need to be sterilised within a six month time frame, which represents one breeding cycle. This is considered achievable in Dunoon, another reason why it was chosen for this project.
Although the primary focus of the project will be mass pet sterilisation, it should also be a concerted, cooperative effort between the veterinary profession, the welfare sector and the beneficiary community to the benefit of all involved.
Pet owners will be provided with pet health and care literature to help improve the overall welfare and well-being of the community’s pet population. A humane education programme aimed at school learners will be an integral part of the project.
“Thanks to the expertise of the SPCA, and the funding provided by the City, we have every reason to believe that this undertaking will pave the way for similar projects in other areas that are in need of assistance,” says Councillor Lungiswa James, Mayoral Committee Member for Health.
“Through the implementation of this project, the City is fulfilling a commitment that started with the writing of the Animal Bylaw, that forms part of an integrated animal welfare policy which the City recently adopted, as well as reflecting a caring approach to domestic pets and animals in this city, especially the most neglected among these.”
