We have a domestic animal
crisis in South Africa. According to conservative estimates,
between 800 000 and 1 000 000 domestic animals are euthanized a
year, and given the current economic situation, it's not going
to get better anytime soon.
Unless...
...unless those who care
about animals take a stand, and support those who are battling
to change the SA Legislation so that the current situation will
not be repeated.
...unless we put a stop to
the irresponsible behaviour of those who breed animals
indiscriminately without due consideration for the animals'
welfare.
...and unless we find ways
of changing the demand profiles for domestic animals and find
homes for the homeless animals in shelters all around the
country.
The
Hopeful Initiative
This Initiative includes the
provision of free facilities, which, if utilised to full effect
by the Animal Rescue and Welfare Community, will bring about a
change in the above scenario:
A
Blog
on which we will publish articles about the Homeless Animals
situation in SA, as well as animal neglect and abuse issues.
There will also be articles promoting shelter animals and
educating the public about care of domestic animals. Articles
will be written by guest writers from all over the country who
are playing their part in correcting the current injustices and
atrocities.
A
Virtual
Shelter, where we will publish pictures of
Homeless Animals and their details and provide contact numbers
for the appropriate Homer who will ensure that procedures are
followed to protect the interests of the animals. We will also
ensure that web traffic from all over is redirected to this
site, by employing links from other sites as well as popular
sites where animals are advertised.
The
New Animails, which are emails
of homeless animal pictures and information, with clickable
links to the Virtual Shelter.
How can you help? In many
ways...
Three
Roles will be needed if we are to have a lasting
effect:
Hopeful Homers, who will do home checks, ensure
that all inoculations have been done, and take care of adoption
procedures.
Click here
to register as a Hopeful Homer. Only submissions from registered
Hopeful Homers will be allowed on the Hopeful Virtual Shelter
and be distributed via the New Animails and the
Facebook group.
Hopeful Networkers
who will receive and pass the
Animails on to their own Network, and recruit others
to do the same, perhaps also growing the
Facebook group.
Click here
to become a Hopeful Networker. All those currently on the
Animails list should register here.
Hopeful Helpers, who will assist with uploading
homeless animals onto the Virtual Shelter, moderate the Shelter
website, and help with administration issues. In addition, they
will create links back to the Hopeful website from sites which
will attract traffic bound for Gumtree, Locanto, Junk Mail, and
other online classifieds sites.
Register
as a Hopeful Helper (you will have to be known to a Hopeful
Homer or to me in order to qualify). This will suit those of you
who want to help and have some time or just willingness. Don't
sweat about the technical stuff - I will teach you, often in
videos, what to do!
All of the above can help
with home checks - we will be in touch as we establish that
network.
Email me at the address
below if you have questions. PLEASE do NOT send any homeless
animals yet - once you have registered, you will get emails
explaining what to do next.
Welcome!
Derek
derek@hopeful.ws
