Against impossible odds in Zimbabwe
(The unemployment rate in Zimbabwe, according to the latest published figures, is 95% – I know, I didn’t believe it either. If you think you can imagine, when humans don’t have enough, how the animals are suffering, you’re probably being optimistic. Meryl and Bernard have to deal with ALL animals they come across, and they cover huge distances with scant resources)
DEDICATION - 44,000 KILOMETERS IN ONE YEAR= 3,700 A MONTH = 122 A DAY = Meryl does all the driving accompanied by Insp Bernard Ndlovu – to all parts of Zimbabwe (Hwange;West Nicholson;Chiredzi; Beitbridge; Chimanimani; Mateke Hills; Karoi; Guruve etc)
ACHIEVEMENTS
10 Security Companies have been inspected and 2 are being prosecuted for the appalling manner in which their dogs were being kept.
Dealt with un-roadworthy trucks transporting animals – cattle found lying down, broken legs, being throttled by ropes etc. This is one of the most serious and regrettable features of livestock production in Zimbabwe at present and requires urgent and ongoing attention. Currently 2 prosecutions going to court.
Puppy vendors – many have been arrested. If seen please assist as vendors recognise vehicles being driven by those with the power to deal with them.
Investigated lions in captivity – Chiredzi; Selous; and Masvingo – the latter looking so much better thanks to the considerable input from Aware Trust.
Working with the Municipality where there has now been a tremendous improvement in the welfare of their Police dogs.
In the process of prosecuting 21 settlers on a Penhalonga Farm for axing 3 dogs belonging to the owner – the 3 month old Labrador puppy killed. The case going to trial week ending 15th June.
Monitoring the poisoning of baboons by the timber industry in the Eastern Highlands.
Regular checks on the animals being kept at the University of Zimbabwe.
Called out when the absentee landlords of a plot in Borrowdale called in treecutters, with no compassion whatsoever for all the nesting egrets, ibis’s etc – to the extent that some birds were cut by chain saws and the ground littered with dead babies. Only a few were alive to be rescued. After Meryl’s intervention the tree cutting was halted.
Called to West Nicholson to investigate a report ,originating from a village headman who noticed dogs were disappearing, to the effect that Chinese Nationals working on transmitters were eating dogs. 3 had already been consumed and 1 rescued. 2 Chinese arrested but released by the ZRP with a warning as they stated there was no laws regulating “dog slaughter” – WHAT HAPPENED TO “CRUELTY”???
Donkey Rescue – the heavy yokes are being confiscated and new harnesses donated to the donkey owners from the sale of the yokes which make wonderful house signs, coat racks or for ornamental purposes – contact Meryl if you would like to obtain one to help these poor beasts of burden.
FUNDRAISING. – is ongoing as VAWZ/Meryl rely solely on donations.
Special thanks to all the wonderful folk who donated all the bond paper and to all the Vets who contribute monthly – especially Kamfinsa, Chisipite and Avondale surgeries.
FORTHCOMING FUNDRAISING EVENTS:
Golf day on the 15th JULY at Wingate Golf Club – contact L. Davies 494144 or 077 230 7940 to support Meryl and raise much needed funds.
Film Premiere of cartoon version of “Jock and the Bushveld” – possibly in August/September.
Any Donations would be gratefully received and can be dropped off at Kamfinsa or Chisipite surgeries – or contact Meryl on 077 416 8218
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