We have a domestic animal crisis in South
Africa. According to conservative estimates, between 300 000 and 500 000
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 three facilities, which, if utilised to full
effect, 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
will be a daily email 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
