Helping in the Townships – One step at a time…
(Our members come from far and wide and belong to varied organisations, and the article below came to me from Linda-Louise, with whom I worked a couple of years ago on the Husky Rescue project in Port Elizabeth, via Michelle, with whom I communicate on a regular basis. It’s good to see how the Township Initiatives are gaining impetus all over the country – more this week from Cape Town and KZN Midlands…)
Our Saturday excursion into Helenvale was only the tip of the iceberg and this massive problem will have to be an ongoing project. Armed with masses of pets mince which I had cooked up and which proceeded to spill in my car, (hope nobody needs a lift for the next 3 weeks!), and all the supplies which we needed, we all headed into Helenvale.
Mike Kerr had very kindly put a team of 6 guys together, without whom Patsy and I could not have managed. Our first stop was at a home we had identified, where three dogs were being kept in a small, dark passage of a shebeen shack. Years of rubbish and rubble had to be cleared before we could even begin. Fortunately, this expert team went straight in and were soon surrounded by inquisitive locals, most of them well into the weekend festive spirit! In no time they had cleared the area and constructed the fence, being cheered on and directed by many a vocal local! The joy of these three dogs as they were released into a running area, small as it may seem to us, made it all worthwhile. One large kennel, some extra food and proper collars later, we were just about to leave when Patsy noticed that there were other barks from further in the house.
On investigation we had two horrendous discoveries; a beautitful brindle Bull Terrier, chainedon a shelf in the main shebeen room. Worse was still to come. Behind some of the customers, we noticed a wooden box, the size of an old tea-chest, completely enclosed. In this box we found this dog .
He had been in this cell for three months. Basic food and water was obviously supplied. His master is apparently in jail and the dog was being held for him. Obviously we confiscated this beautiful dog. He is very loving and was so thrilled to run around our centre. This is one we will urgently need to home. We have spoken to the owner of the Bull Terrier and Patsy went to see him again this morning. The dog is in very good condition and we will help the owner to create an area where this dog can run and play.
By now, quite a crowd had gathered and we were able to supply de-worming tablets and petfood to many of these people. Our next stop was at the home of the two dogs whose photographs were in my initial appeal.
The brown dog was purported to be vicious, but we discovered it was only the short chain and lack of space that made the dog in any way aggressive. As soon as we gave him a bowl of pets mince and a runner chain, some room to move and a kennel of his own, he was the happiest soul. The conditions are not ideal, but at least we have improved their lot and taken the first step.
The painfully-thin white dog now also has room to move, joyously running up and down. She was also given a new kennel and scoffed down two bowls of pets mince, with more to come the next day. The owners two little daughters only play toys were bricks and stones. Patsy had noticed this on a previous visit and she presented the girls with rag dolls. Hopefully, with education and follow-up, we will be able to help these youngsters to share love with these dogs and create the bond, as it should be. A German Shepherd discovered new areas for the first time, as did the the two dogs whose front yard created quite a challenge to our “he-men”! Solid stone was not easy to penetrate! At this home, even one cheeky cat got stuck into the pets mince, literally grabbing it out of the dog’s bowl!
Two more quick inspections along the way allowed us to help another two dogs to experience a little more freedom and running space. As soon as we have more kennels, we will supply shelter for these two dogs as well, as they are currently without shelter. We have one or two more kennels to collect, but if anyone still has that kennel in the back yard, while your precious child sleeps on your bed, please let us have this to create something better for these poor souls. So, all in all, we managed to physically help 12 dogs, while providing food for many others. This is just the beginning and I hope to be able to get the municipality involved here as well, as the problem is extensive.
On behalf of all those who cannot speak for themselves, our grateful thanks for your continued support. Please remember that Tea-chest and the two pups are in urgent need of homes. To Mike and his Team – we salute you and offer our humble thanks.
Kind regards
Linda-Louise and Patsy
Animal Anti-Cruelty League
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