OUDTSHOORN NEWS - A free mass sterilisation clinic for dogs and cats has been hailed as a success after providing much-needed veterinary services to pet owners in Oudtshoorn and De Rust.
The three-day clinic, held from Monday to Wednesday, 13 to 15 July, was hosted by Oudtshoorn Dogs in Need (Odin) in partnership with Eden Small Animal Hospital in George. The initiative was co-ordinated by Lee-Ann van Sittert of The Cat Hotel.
Scrosoppi Care Centre generously made its hall available free of charge for the sterilisation clinic in Oudtshoorn.
According to Odin founder Colleen Smith, the free sterilisations would not have been possible without the support of sponsor Synercore. "We are extremely grateful to them for making this project possible," she said. The clinic had the capacity to sterilise about 80 dogs and cats per day, with all procedures provided free of charge to pet owners in the greater Oudtshoorn area.
Vanessa Engelbrecht (Cango Wildlife), Kylie Geldenhuys (The Cat Hotel) and Izzy Erstling (a Loop Abroad pre-veterinary student completing an internship at Cango Wildlife). Photo: Liezl van Niekerk
Veterinarian Dr Susie Kok from George and Dr Tinashe Chimatira and Duggy Atkinson Vetsol performed the sterilisations, while volunteers from Cango Wildlife assisted with post-operative care to ensure the animals recovered safely before returning home.
She said the response from the community had been overwhelming, with strong support from pet owners and volunteers.
"We have received incredible support so far and are grateful to everyone who has contributed to making this initiative a success. Our goal is to continue hosting a mass sterilisation clinic every month, and we already have clinics planned for August and September."
Smith said regular sterilisation campaigns are one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of unwanted animals, improve animal welfare and ease the pressure on local animal welfare organisations.
She encouraged pet owners to make use of future clinics, saying responsible pet ownership starts with preventing unwanted litters and creating healthier communities for both animals and people.
Van Sittert also thanked KarooZinn, Nostalgie Restaurant and Santa Fe Spur for their contribution to the event.
For more information about upcoming sterilisation clinics, contact Charlene Szucs on 074 511 6927.
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