Cape of Good Hope
We speak for, protect and care for animals
Happy Birthday Footprints!
ISSUE 1, 2013
Cape of Good Hope
Letter from THE EDITOR
ISSUE 1, 2013
EDITORIAL LISE-MARIE GREEFF-VILLET, LAMEES MARTIN, LARA ROBERTSON PO Box 3, Plumstead, Cape Town, 7801, Tel: 021 700 4141 Fax: 021 705 2127 Email: comms@spca-ct.co.za Website: http://www.spca-ct.co.za DESIGN JOAN SUTTON (021) 712 0101 COVER Photographer - Desire Kohn Website: www.desirekohn.co.za Facebook: Desire Kohn Photography Model - Frikkie PRINTING SPONSORED BY FORMESET Tel: 021 507 9000 Footprints is published by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, and all profits are used to further the work of this organisation. The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or the management of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. While every effort is made to ensure editorial and factual accuracy, no responsibility is accepted for any errors.
BANK DETAILS: Cape of Good Hope SPCA Standard Bank Account: 0718 32858 Branch: 051001 Ref: Footprints / your name
Report Animal Cruelty: Tel: 021 700 4158/9 A/H Emergency: 083 326 1604 www.spca-ct.co.za
Dear Friends This edition of Footprints marks the 20th year of Cape Town’s favourite animal magazine. The very first edition was published in July 1993 and was sold to supporters at a cost of R3.00. We are very privileged that things have changed and that now we are able to bring Footprints right to your doorstep at no cost, and we trust that you and your whole family enjoy sharing in our animal stories just as much as Capetonians did 20 years ago. We have even more to celebrate in this edition as one of our devoted staff members share the anniversary with Footprints, with a 20 year longservice acknowledgement, and our Ani-Pals education programme reaches its 10 year mark. By reaching the hearts and minds of thousands of young people, the education team of three is making a real difference in the lives of companion animals throughout the Cape Metropole, and we share some of their highlights from the past decade. All of these successes would of course not have been possible without the continued backing from our corporate partners, sponsors, volunteers and of course you, our loyal supporters. Our SPCA Heroes section gives a mere glimpse of the many people of all ages, and corporate supporters who offer their assistance. Special thanks go out to everyone who left us in awe of the mountains of food and blankets donated in response to our Winter Appeal. To support us and stand a chance to win, read more about our Tails Up
competition on page 5. This competition just had its first birthday and has seen 12 lucky winners each walk away with a whopping R10 000. Sometimes even we don’t understand how animals get into the dangerous situations we find them in, but we always find a way to help them out. Don’t miss the tales about two such unusual rescues, as well as our story on the 90 pigs that were saved from a dismal life in Klipheuwel. Our pet care feature on page 13 guides you through information about some of the most prevalent infectious cat and dog diseases that we struggle with in our Animal Hospital and Animal Care Centre daily. Never think your pet is immune - these diseases can strike anywhere, so please take the time to read this educational piece. As we enter the second half of this year, you can feel the excitement in the air as we start preparing for our big fundraising events such as the popular Wiggle Waggle Walkathon and the much-loved Horse Show which promises to be even better this time around. If you’ve never attended one of our big animal events, make sure to browse through our Wiggle Waggle and Woefie Wandel photo pages to see just exactly what you’re missing out on… and make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media pages (@SPCACape for Twitter and Cape of Good Hope SPCA on Facebook) for the dates of upcoming events. In this edition you will also find photo pages in tribute to our amazing Team SPCA challenge fundraisers
who, by cycling, running and engaging in other challenging activities for the CoGH SPCA, raised more than R400 000 for our fight against cruelty. If you are one of those go getters with a passion for animal welfare, then please contact us to hear how you can join our team. Being part of the SPCA family, you know that we are all about the happy endings. That truly is what everything we do is all about: seeing those happy wagging tails; hearing the purr of a content cat; seeing a healthy horse galloping in an open field; releasing that Wild Cat that you’ve nurtured for months, back in to its natural environment to live out its life - free and out of harm’s way. And as staff who are faced with the atrocities we see each day, we often wish that we could take all of the animals at the SPCA home with us and keep them safe, always. Of course we can’t do that, but once in a while an animal comes along that tugs at our heartstrings to the point where we are left powerless to resist. In a special version of Happy Tails we share the stories of three of these charming animals with you. I would like to extend a special mention of gratitude to my Assistant Editor, Lamees Martin, who for the most part coordinated the production of this very important edition of Footprints, while I needed more time to settle in to my new role as Communications and Fundraising Manager here at the SPCA. Happy reading about our precious creatures! Lise-Marie
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Shop with us - Spoil yourself or your furry friend while helping the SPCA Generous giving - see who goes above and beyond in support of animals For your Diary - Join thousands of two and four legged walkers at this year’s SPCA Wiggle Waggle Walkathon and saddle up for charity at the annual SPCA Horse Show
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Feature - Footprints celebrates 20 years of delivering quality news, pet care tips and happy tails to its supporters.
10 Fight against cruelty - SPCA Inspectors on the forefront, saving lives 12 Feature - Mass Sterilisation Programme paves the way for a brighter tomorrow for City’s animals
13 Feature - Do you know which pet vaccines are essential? Prevention is better than cure 14 Wildlife Unit - SPCA saves the lives of an Africa Wild Cat and a tiny Cape Dwarf Chameleon 15 Education Update - Ani-Pals educates 108 000 learners on responsible pet ownership 16 Two popular Cape Town dog walks raise thousands of Rands
for less fortunate animals 19 TEAM SPCA members raise R400 000 through the Cape Argus PnP Cycle Tour and Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon 22 SPCA Bequest Society members celebrate their love for animals at the charming Vineyard Hotel 23 Happy Tails
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SHOP WITH US
Spoil yourself or your furry friends while helping the SPCA
Make a stop at the SPCA book shop Need to stock up on some good books for those chilly winter nights? Then pop in at the SPCA Book Shop, located on the corner of 1st Avenue and First Road in Grassy Park, and choose from a great selection of new and second hand books. “We are always in need of donations of books so that we can continue to provide a great selection to our customers. All profits go directly towards caring for the many hundreds of animals rescued by the SPCA”, said Book Shop Coordinator Natasha Johannes. For more information contact Natasha Johannes on 021 700 4155 or email awareness@spca-ct.co.za.
MySchool steadfast in support of SPCA The MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet initiative enables charities across South Africa to benefit from the purchases of philanthropic shoppers worth thousands of Rands each year. And the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is no exception. Generous card holders donated R57 895.06 since January 2013! The support of MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet doesn’t stop there. So passionate are they about the welfare of animals, that this year they joined On the day at lovely D’Aria estate, the MySchool team spoiled three lucky winners through a lucky draw for fantastic Woolworths hampers.
Your ‘junk’, our treasure The Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s charity shop, located at the society’s facility in Grassy Park, turns all your unwanted goods into much needed funds to aid in the fight against animal cruelty. From January to May 2013, the sale of your secondhand donations raised more than R220 000 for the society. 4
“We can’t keep bringing in this money without your unwanted clothing and furniture, kitchen and household appliances, as well as any bric-a-brac items, so thank you!”, said shop coordinator Bettie Beukes. So next time you plan to clean out your garage or if you decide to unpack your wardrobe, please consider donating your unwanted items to the SPCA. For more information, contact Bettie Beukes on 073 302 8099.
our fundraising efforts at the 2013 SPCA PURINA Woefie Wandel dog walk and donated R10 for every entry received, helping to raise over R17 000 for the society. Remember - every swipe counts so keep shopping with your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card, and if you don’t have a card yet, go to http://www.spca-ct.co.za to sign up for one today and make sure to choose the Cape of Good Hope SPCA as your beneficiary. Thank you My School!
Identify and care with trendy new SPCA pet tags
Thousands of dogs and cats go missing from homes across Cape Town every year, and even more so during the cold winter months when thunder storms and bad weather frightens animals, causing them to flee their homes. Since the start of winter, dozens of lost animals have been admitted to the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA in Grassy Park. Make sure your much-loved furfriend is properly identified with these new, high quality resin, water-proof pet tags, which helps
SPCA heart-shaped ‘friendship’ bowls now only R30!
ensure that finding a lost pet is more than possible, and support the Cape of Good Hope SPCA at the same time! A variety of designs and colours are available and SPCA supporters, who purchase the pet tag using the special coupon code SPCA03R5, will receive a discounted rate of R50 per tag, postage included. Order forms and information are available from our SPCA vet shops in Plumstead and Grassy Park or visit www.stuck2u.co.za to order online. For any queries about these new SPCA pet tags, email Natasha Johannes at: awareness@spca-ct.co.za or call 021 700 4155.
For each bowl sold the SPCA receives a percentage of the proceeds, which goes towards feeding all the many animals in our care. Get yours today from our SPCA Vet Shop in Plumstead for just R30. These lovable bowls are also available at the vet shops in Canal Walk, Tygervalley, Garden Centre, The Paddocks, Planet Woof and Vet + Pet in Edgemead, Somerset West, Stellenbosch and Cape Gate. For more information please call Natasha Johannes on 021 700 4155 or email awareness@spca-ct.co.za.
Orders, manufacturing and postage of these tags are the responsibility of Stuck2U, available on 083 440 3230 or email spca@stuck2u.co.za.
Purrfect savings with Royal Canin
WIN R10 000 with SPCA Tails Up Each month one lucky animal-lover stands a chance to win R10 000 in the exciting SPCA Tails Up competition. To enter, simply buy 12 competition tickets of R50 each, and each month for the next year you will be entered into a lucky draw for R10 000! Our Tails Up Club is limited to 2000 members only, which means that the odds of winning is great. So don’t delay, sign up today and win!
Get R20, R35 or R50 off your next purchase of any Royal Canin Feline Breed Specific cat food with their Top Breed Cat promotion until stocks last. The discount amount will depend on the size of the bag purchased and will be indicated on a sticker found on each bag. The Royal Canin range of pet food products are available at the SPCA Vet Shop in Plumstead. For enquiries please call 021 761 4463 or email vetshop@spca-ct.co.za.
Cape of Good Hope
Email dbadmin@spca-ct.co.za or call 021 700 4168.
Improve your pet’s mobility with Hill’s Soothe osteoarthritis in a hop, skip and jump with Hill's Prescription Diet j/d that has been specifically formulated to improve Canine/Feline Mobility and relieve the pain of osteoarthritis. Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d is the only pet food clinically proven to improve mobility and reduce stiffness in animals suffering from osteoarthritis in as little as 21 days. It’s designed to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as slow the progression of
this debilitating condition. Purchase a bag of Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d, or any of the Hill’s Prescription Diet products at either of the SPCA Vet Shops, 6 Gabriel Road, Plumstead or at the corner of 1st Avenue and First Road in Grassy Park and help less fortunate pets at the SPCA at the same time. All profits go towards supporting the work of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. Visit: www.hopskipjump.co.za for more information on Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d.
SPCA Vet Shop 6 Gabriel Road, Plumstead
Stockists of all leading pet product brands Winter Trading Hours: d le an rdab Affo sle-free Y has ELIVER ED HOM ERVICEre 12pm S befo pay delivery) ay r and pply Orde r same donditions a fo s and c (term
(1st June - 1st September) 8h30-17h30 on Weekdays 8h30-13h30 on Saturdays
Call 021 761 4463 or email vetshop@spca-ct.co.za
All profits from product sales are used to support the SPCA’s mission to
Speak, Protect and Care for Animals 5
SPCA HEROES
Just some of the amazing people and companies who made a difference
Huge response to food and blanket appeal The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recently appealed to Capetonians for donations of blankets and pet food with which to properly care for the animals in their care during the cold and wet winter months. Thanks to you, over 400 blankets, 2000kg of dry dog and cat food and over 3000 tins were collected since the start of June 2013! SPCA Resource Development Manager, Lise-Marie Greeff-Villet says: “The animals in our care always come first, and we will never let them go cold or hungry. This winter, with the help of the community, we definitely don’t need to spend
additional funds on blankets and pet food. This allows us to use what little funds we do have available to fight animal cruelty, implement education initiatives and address core problems such as animal over-population”. The CoGH SPCA cares for hundreds of animals on a daily basis in its Animal Care Centre and Hospital, and uses about one ton of food per week to keep the many furry tummies full during winter when the cold weather makes them burn up more energy. Extra food helps to meet these demands. If you can help in any way please contact the CoGH SPCA on 021 700 4141 or frreception@spca-ct.co.za.
Going above and beyond
One coin at a time The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is grateful to stores throughout Cape Town who so kindly allow us to display our collection tins on their counters. All the income collected from the tins contributes considerably to ensuring that the society is able to continue in its mission to care for all animals. Below are the top ten collection stores during the period April 2012 to March 2013. Well done!
On 6 December, 2012 the Cape of Good Hope SPCA presented South African Police Services’ Warrant Officer 2 Nico du Toit of the Malmesbury Stock Theft Unit with a very special SPCA Medal of Honour. As part of the society’s 100th centenary celebrations in 1972, this medal was established for those who demonstrated outstanding service and cooperation in the field of animal care and protection. The CoGH SPCA was proud to present the Medal of Honour to Warrant Officer du Toit after he went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that those
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Pictured from left is CoGH SPCA CEO Allan Perrins who handed over the Medal of Honour to Warrant Officer 2 du Toit (middle). With them is Bukshi’s owner, Anthea Myburgh.
responsible for the theft, torture and death of Bukshi - a dearly loved horse - were brought to justice. In addition to the Medal of Honour, Warrant Officer du Toit also received a gift of thanks in the form of a horseshoe, in memory of Bukshi, from Bukshi’s very emotional, but grateful, owner Anthea Myburgh.
Company Pick n Pay Express Superspar Pick n Pay Express Kwikspar Spar Neelsie Spar Engen Quickshop Superspar Fresh Stop Daffodil Concepts
Suburb Newlands Sea Point Muizenberg Kuils River Monte Vista Stellenbosch Meadowridge Sonstraal Heights Waterfront Eppindust
Chores for Paws Grade N and Grade R learners together with their dedicated teachers at Western Province Preparatory this year again engaged in their “Chores for Paws” project, which encourages children to be helpful in the home and in turn receive money to donate to the SPCA for each task completed. This past year these eager youngsters raised R4127.00, which went directly to help animals in need and prevent animal cruelty. Each child who completed the challenge was rewarded with a visit to the SPCA and an Ani-Pals badge, which they proudly wear.
Income R 14 882.75 R 10 613.82 R 8 634.61 R 8 470.10 R 7 822.24 R 7 368.21 R 7 237.20 R 6 976.51 R 6 892.50 R 6 507.75
Biscuits for barks
Grade 1 pupils from Oakley House in Diep River were so looking forward to visiting the Cape of Good Hope SPCA in May 2013 that they decided to bake a batch of biscuits for the dogs in our care. To make these delicious biscuits you can use the same recipe as found in Kids Magazine, April 2005 edition: Put 2 cups of whole wheat flour and half a cup of mealie meal into a large bowl. Make them irresistible with a tablespoon of biltong powder. Add 2 eggs. Add half a mashed banana. Stir in 2 tablespoons of oil and a 1/4 cup of beef stock. Knead it for 2-3 minutes adding more beef stock if it’s too dry. Roll the dough out to about 1 cm thickness on a floured board. Cut into shapes. Place the biscuits onto a lightly greased baking sheet and bake them for half an hour.
A young heart for charity
When the Cape of Good Hope SPCA visited the Children’s Paradise Educare Centre in Plumstead in June 2013 to teach the children about responsible pet ownership, they were pleasantly surprised by Lance Goosen-Dart (3) who handed over a very full SPCA collection tin. Lance had kept the tin at home and at his school in the hopes of filling it up for
the many fur-pals in the society’s care. Said teacher Natalie Goosen: “Lance would ask all of our visitors or just raid their purses for their small change to fill the SPCA tin”. Seen with SPCA education officers Lucille Boonzaier and Thembi Nomkala, Lance can hardly hold his tin, which collected R102.35 for the SPCA.
Farewell to an animal angel Wim Reinders, who was a loyal and dedicated volunteer at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for 10 years, passed away suddenly on 15 December 2012. Wim regularly assisted our Fundraising Department by sorting books for our book sales and book shop, counting money brought in from our tin collections, and lending a hand at SPCA events. He was always willing to go the extra mile for the animals, and nothing was too much trouble. We will miss you.
ACSA, CTIA flying high for education
Continuing its generous support for the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA since 2008, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) generously donated R150 000 to the society’s Ani-Pals Education and Mobile Clinic programme. Pictured here at a cheque handover in November 2012 is CoGH SPCA’s Resource Development Manager Lise-Marie Greeff-Villet, ACSA CTIA General Manager Deon Cloete and the SPCA’s Carol-Ann Brand and Lucille Boonzaier. The CoGH SPCA is enormously grateful for the continued support afforded to the society by ACSA CTIA.
Diary Dates Let’s celebrate International Animal Week International Animal Week (4-10 October) is celebrated around the world and aims to increase awareness, especially amongst children, around the importance of responsible pet ownership and compassion for all animals. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA invites schools across Cape Town to celebrate their love for animals by participating in various animalthemed activities before, during or after this week. ‘Civvies for SPCA’ has been embraced by a number of schools who allow their learners to dress in casual wear for a day and in return for a R5 donation, wear an SPCA ribbon to acknowledge their respect and love for animals. Celebrate International Animal Week, support the SPCA’s work and help us to continue to provide primary veterinary care and emergency aid to thousands of helpless animals. For more information please contact the SPCA education department on 021 700 4181 or email educ1@spca-ct.co.za. Cape Quarter Book Sale The SPCA Book Sale will take place from 6 to 8 October at Cape Quarter in Green Point between 9am-6pm on Friday and Saturday, and from 9am to 3pm on Sunday. Bring a bag of pet food to receive a discount on your books.
SPCA Horse Show This year, the 18th annual SPCA Horse Show will be held at the Constantia Valley Riding Club (CVRC) in Brommersvlei Road, Constantia in October. Watch our website www.spca-ct.co.za closer to the time for the exact date and further details. SPCA Bequest Society and Donor Recognition Luncheon Thursday, 5 December is the date to diarise for this year’s SPCA Bequest Society and Donor Recognition Luncheon. The popular annual event will take place at the Vineyard Hotel in Newlands, and guests can expect an afternoon of good food, great company and entertainment. These luncheons fill up fast and seats are limited, so please contact Carol-Ann Brand on 021 700 4150 or email bequestofficer@spca-ct.co.za to book your seat now. SPCA Wiggle Waggle Walkathon Whilst a date for the annual SPCA Wiggle Waggle Walkathon, the biggest dog walk in the Western Cape, has not yet been confirmed, please note that this fun family 4.5km walking event will take place sometime towards the end of November or in the beginning of December. Watch our website closer to the time for details. 7
Footprints celebrates 20 years By Lise-Marie Greeff-Villet
May 2001
Footprints first edition, July 1993.
Autumn 1998
Summer 2008
Left: The very first letter received by the Footprints team. Issue 2, 2011
Footprints celebrates 20 years in print this month! To our many animalloving supporters, this bi-annual magazine is seen as a community publication and most of them cannot wait to receive the latest Cape Town animal news, photos and fun delivered right to their doorstep. To the communications team here at the SPCA the publication also serves as a fantastic marketing, networking and image building tool as it provides a well-loved traditional media channel for speaking about the SPCA and providing exposure to our sponsors and partners. However, as I open the first ever Footprints published in July 1993, and read the inaugural message of the then Editor and CEO, John Eaton, I am once again reminded of the true purpose of Footprints: “Too often the work of the SPCA is seen as reactiveeither as a policing function to threaten prosecution in the event of discovered cruelty, or as a receiving and treatment centre for animals who have already become victims of abuse. These are of course central functions, but….. we still see it as our primary function to be proactive, and…. prevent the mistreatment of animals. Our experience leaves us in no doubt that cruelty is most often the result of ignorance…. and this ignorance is not restricted to poorer communities. Pet owners everywhere fail to feed, house or groom their pets, and many do not know how or 8
when medical treatment is needed.” “By bringing animal care knowledge and awareness into your home, Footprints aims to short circuit this kind of inadvertant abuse and help pet owners achive a better understanding of their animals.” And throughout the past 20 years, Footprints has continued to do just that, and more. The magazine has been published in various sizes, designs, colours and moved from being a subscription magazine very early on (for the whopping cost of R3,00 per edition) to a free publication, but it has always stayed true to its purpose: educating through advice and guidelines about animal care, creating awareness about the plight of animals in the world around us, sharing the SPCA story with our “family” of supporters and friends, and of course at the same time
providing readers with a multitude of opportunities to get out there and help in our fight against cruelty to animals. Reading through 20 years of Footprints, I found it very interesting and somewhat worrying that the same issues that needed to be spoken about back then, we continue to have to address today. Articles in earlier magazines include topics such as animal-overpopulation and the importance of sterilisation, vaccinating your pets, not leaving your pets in cars, and cases of neglect and abuse very similar to what we still experience today. And it makes me wonder - are we really making a difference? After 20 years of asking people to vaccinate and pleading with pet owners to sterilise their animals, why are our messages not having any impact? Then of course it dawns on me every time an animal is adopted, every time a puppy goes to a new home and every time a good samaritan takes in another lost animal off the street, it results in the birth of new pet-owner relationships that have to be nurtured. There will always be a new generation of pet
owners, and education on animal matters and the need to expand awareness will remain infinite. Leafing through the pages of these priceless Footprints archives, I also see how community involvement and support has increased, how with the people of Cape Town behind us we’ve changed animal laws, how our inspectors increasingly manage to prosecute perpetrators of animal cruelty, and how through the years we were able to find more and more happy tales. And I find peace in the realisation that the resources spent on a publication such as Footprints is justified as it is an integral tool in the work we do. Every person reached, and every single animal whose life improves accordingly, makes it worth it. But it hasn’t always been easy. Producing, printing and distributing this magazine to more than 6000 readers requires much human as well as financial resources. Some of you will remember that Footprints used to be printed once each quarter, but due to financial contsraints has since 2012 become a bi-annual publication. We are very thankful for support received from printers, paper
Animal angel gives 20 years of service
Winter 2006
Autumn 2009
Issue 2, 2012
suppliers, designers and distributors who offer us their best possible rates, or in the case of Formeset printers, actually do the printing for us probono. The COGH SPCA is committed to bringing Footprints to you for the next 20 years, and are continuously rethinking the content offering and aesthetic appearance so as to make it the very best of its kind in the industry and reading pleasure for the whole family. In keeping with this approach, you can look out for a kiddies section that will be reintroduced in our 2nd edition for 2013, as well as readers’ pet photo pages and a bit more about the people who work at the COGH SPCA. We are also thinking about bringing back a focus on animal news from further afield (SA and abroad) and the Footnotes letters section, but would love to hear from our readers. Tell us what you want to see in Footprints by sending your suggestions to Lamees at comms@spca-ct.co.za. If you want to advertise in the magazine, or sponsor a page, please also let Lamees know. Happy Birthday, Footprints!
This July we’re having two big celebrations as Footprints shares its 20th anniversary with SPCA Fundraising Officer, Natasha Johannes who also joined the SPCA family exactly 20 years ago. Natasha chatted to us about her passion for animals and her journey so far at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. What inspired you to work for the CoGH SPCA? As long as I can remember my family have always owned animals from dogs to chickens, geese and birds. Animals have always held a special place in my heart and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, with its long and significant history of helping animals in and around Cape Town, seemed the right place for me to be. Ironically my first memory of the SPCA was a sad one, when my beloved dog had to be euthanased because of an injury he sustained. At the time I was too young to understand and was angry with the SPCA for taking away my animal. Yet today, I think the many animals I have had over the years, would be proud of me for working for this truly caring organisation. What roles and/or functions have you assumed over these years? I started as an Animal Care Assistant from which I was promoted to Kennel Manager. After being with the SPCA for so many years I felt though that I could use my insights to further assist the organisation and took an opportunity to move to the Fundraising Department first as Fundraising Assistant and thereafter as Fundraising Officer. I also completed the intense SPCA Inspector’s course to increase my knowledge of the Animal Protection Act and Animal Handling, however I have never been out in the field. What do you do at the SPCA now? My responsibilities include planning, managing and implementing various fundraising initiatives that range from challenge fundraising events, SPCA tin collection programmes and SPCA book sales, to developing SPCA branded merchandise such as Christmas cards, calendars and pet tags that
can be sold to generate income. The bottom line is always is finding new opportunities to raise funds for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA to aid the organisation in speaking for, protecting and caring for animals. In your current position, what does a typical day entail? My days are filled with creative thinking, strategic planning, research, drafting proposals, sending e-mails, making many phone calls, detailed operational planning and execution of fundraising events, liaising with potential sponsors and/or donors, and lots of admin! When you started working at the CoGH SPCA, did you ever imagine you would work for the organisation for so long? No, I never thought I would still be here to celebrate my 20th year, but I doubt any other job would have given me the same satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment. What motivated you to get up every morning and come to work? My passion and belief that although I might only play a small part in animal welfare I am making a difference, that is all the motivation I need. What major challenges and problems do you face on a daily basis? One of the major challenges I face is raising the required funds in this ever changing economic climate, with limited resources. There seems to be an explosion in the number of NGOs country wide, all needing funds, which makes the task of securing funds and/or sponsorships that much harder. Therefore fundraisers need to constantly reinvent their fundraising initiatives and make sure to capitalize
first on those opportunities that appeal to and interest potential supporters. You’ve obviously accomplished a great deal. To what do you attribute that success? My passion and my willingness to always learn more with regards to all spheres of animal welfare, thus continuously increasing my knowledge and applying what I have learnt to each new project. I never assume to have all the answers and am always open to advice. What makes working at the SPCA difficult? The blatant neglect and cruelty animals are subjected to. I echo what Gandhi said “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”. Do you have any advice for someone interested in this field/job? Love for animals is a must. You must be able to achieve great things with limited resources, always maintain a humble attitude and be willing to get your hands dirty. What has been your most rewarding experience working at the COGH SPCA? There have been so many rewarding experiences over the last couple of years I can't say that one stands out more than the rest. Believe me, this job is not all sunsets and roses, but at the end of the day, whether you are cleaning cages, administering drugs, rescuing and protecting animals, or raising funds - it should always leave you content in the knowledge that you are making a difference to the lives of animals! 9
Pigs deserve better says SPCA After receiving a report of pigs housed in unhygienic and parasitic living conditions in the area of Klipheuwel, Durbanville on 24 May 2013, Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA Inspector Mark Levendal, together with officers from the city’s environmental health department, immediately responded. On inspection, Inspector Levendal found approximately 90 pigs and 20 sheep, owned by various local small scale subsistence farmers, being forced to live in unacceptable, parasitic conditions. According to Inspector Levendal: “The animals were forced to stand in their own dung as there were no concrete or solid surfaces. Animal manure was not disposed of and proper drainage was non-existent, causing a terrible stench of faeces and urine in the air, with an excessive presence of flies. Most disturbing was the 15 pig carcasses scattered all over the area and near a water stream, which was possibly contaminating the Mosslebank ecosystem”. A written warning was issued to the various farmers advising them that the living conditions of the animals were in contravention of the Animal Protection Act (No 71 of 1962) and instructed them to rectify the problem within a reasonable period of time. On a follow-up inspection, Inspector Levendal observed that no improvements had been made and was therefore forced to obtain a court order to confiscate the animals.
Above: How the pigs were forced to live. However, considering that in reality, the fate of many of these animals would be to ending up at an abattoir, the CoGH SPCA attempted to again try to find a practical solution to the problem. As a result of the SPCA’s guidance, the owners agreed to sell some of the animals to better equipped farmers while others were relocated to more suitable farms. Should you witness any animal cruelty, report it to the CoGH SPCA on 021 700 4158/59 or after hours and on weekends to 083 326 1604. Your identity will not be disclosed if you choose to remain anonymous.
Below: Pigs, like all animals, deserve to live in a natural and healthy environment.
A castle, a moat and On 3 January 2013, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA received a call for help to rescue a small cross breed Terrier dog that was spotted floating on a bed of reeds in the moat surrounding the Castle of Good Hope. The distressed, stranded animal was soon saved by SPCA Inspector Jeronico Josephs, with the assistance of the Castle of Good Hope that provided him with the boat which he
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What goes up must come down!
We need nosey neighbours!
The core mandate of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is the prevention of cruelty to animals. Help us in our mission to care for and protect all animals by reporting those who mistreat them to 021 700 4158/59 or after hours and on weekends to 083 326 1604. Your anonymity is guaranteed. So, what should you do if you witness or hear of animal cruelty? Each case is different, and specific action does not necessarily apply in every case. In general, this is what you should do: Cats are generally inquisitive animals, a trait which often gets them into trouble. Like this cat, who got stuck up an eight metre high tree in Oranjezicht on 5 May 2013. Luckily for this feline, a member of the public heard his cries for help and contacted the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA. Two SPCA inspectors, equipped with a 12 metre ladder, braved the heights to rescue the dark Tortoiseshell male cat named Oscar. The curious cat was reunited with his relieved owner, who wasn’t even aware that her beloved pet had gotten up to mischief! On average the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA responds to two reports of cats up trees per week.
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a dog in distress needed to get him to where the animal was trapped. “She was very scared but appeared happy to be safe in the boat with me”, said Inspector Josephs. How the animal managed to get stuck in the middle of the castle’s moat remains an unsolved mystery. The dog, now known as Aqua, soon found her happily-ever-after when she was adopted by Paul Louw of Stellenbosch. (Pictured right).
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If the cruelty is something that can be stopped immediately, then stop it. If, for example, a horse or a dog is being unmercifully beaten, intervene if you can safely do so. However, the sort of person who would mistreat an animal in this way would be likely to vent his anger on anyone who interferes, and members of the public should therefore use their discretion. In that case, rather call the authorities. Few occasions arise when a camera is readily available, but if there should be one, photographs and videos are useful evidence.
When reporting animal cruelty, please remember that in order for SPCA Inspectors to respond effectively, they require the following information: l Your own name, address and telephone number. This is
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necessary for record purposes and also enables the Inspector to obtain further details and to inform you of the result of their investigation. The address and wherever possible, the name and contact details of the alleged perpetrators involved. The date, time and physical address where the incident occurred. The exact address assists in ensuring an unhindered response. The registration number and description of any vehicle involved. You may be asked in certain cases if you would be prepared to testify in a court of law.
This information assists the Inspectors in having detailed insight into the situation they will be dealing with. Once the relevant information is obtained, an SPCA inspector will conduct an investigation and depending on his/her findings, will either issue a warning, educate the owner in the best interests of the animal, or confiscate and rehome the animal wherever possible. Where necessary, charges of animal cruelty will be laid against the perpetrator under the Animals Protection Act (No 71 of 1962).
SE: T ABU R O P E R /59 0 4158 021 70 04 326 16 3 8 0 : H A/
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STERILISATION brings about positive change in the city Each year thousands of animals face an uncertain future in shelters because there are not enough suitable homes. Untold amounts of puppies and kittens are left to fend for themselves on the streets of Cape Town, and hundreds of unwanted animals are abused and neglected every day. And each day we struggle with the question: What is the solution to these devastating realities? It’s undeniable that focused sterilisation (coupled with humane education and law enforcement) is one of the most effective and humane methods to help address the problem of uncontrolled breeding and petoverpopulation, which will in turn alleviate the euthanasia and abuse of unwanted animals. Over the past six months, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, together with the Cape Animal Welfare Forum (CAWF) implemented two mass animal sterilisation pilot projects in the City to address these issues. The primary objective of these mass animal sterilisation projects was to sterilise at least 70% of the areas’ intact pets within six months, which equates to one breeding cycle. Partly sponsored by the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Department of Agriculture, these projects resulted in thousands of dogs and cats - including most free roaming, stray and feral animals in Du Noon and Brown’s Farm - being neutered, spayed vaccinated, dipped and dewormed. The CoGH SPCA also invested in humane education by visiting schools in the areas, putting up educational posters and distributing fliers about the benefits of sterilisation. “With fewer unwanted animals being born, we hope to see lower 12
levels of animal cruelty and abuse and knowing that we are instrumental in the fight against cruelty by sterilising as many animals as possible, leaves us with a sense of accomplishment
of which we can all be proud. We are hopeful that similar initiatives, which help eradicate neglect and cruelty, will continue throughout the Western Cape and we look forward to our con-
tinued role therein”, said Cape of Good Hope SPCA CEO and Chairman of the Cape Animal Welfare Forum, Allan Perrins. Although these projects placed much strain on the resources of all participating animal welfare organisations, great success was achieved with almost 300 cats and dogs sterilised in Du Noon and more than 1 500 in Brown’s Farm. “We are enormously grateful for the support and assistance received from everyone who helped us to achieve sustainable results through a collaborative effort, and we hope that these were the first in many such projects to be undertaken throughout the Western Cape”, said Perrins
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE Animals, just like humans, suffer from a range of infectious diseases. The CoGH SPCA Hospital and the other veterinary facilities in Cape Town, treat hundreds such cases each year, and no companion animal should be seen as completely safe against the sometimes deadly effects thereof. Vaccination remains the single most effective method for protecting against infectious disease in healthy animals. According to Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA Veterinarian Dr Hakart Avalon, the most common infectious diseases to vaccinate against in dogs are: Parvo-virus Canine Parvo-virus is an extremely contagious disease transmitted by oral contact with infected faeces and can live on the surfaces of shoes, clothing, food and water bowls, bedding and toys. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Distemper Canine Distemper affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal and central nervous systems as well as the conjunctival membranes of the eye. The virus is passed through direct contact with fresh urine, blood, saliva, via sneezing, coughing and sharing food and water bowls. Watch out for mild cold-like symptoms, preceded by thick mucous discharge from the nose or eyes with coughing and sneezing, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea. Kennel Cough Kennel cough is a highly contagious infection, which causes inflammation of a dog’s voice box and windpipe. It’s a form of bronchitis (similar to a chest cold in humans). Symptoms to look out for are a persistent, forceful cough, sneezing, a runny nose or eye discharge. Infectious Hepatitis Infectious hepatitis is a serious viral infection, most often seen in dogs less than one year old. It primarily causes damage to the liver and dogs catch this disease by inhaling or eating the virus present in the urine, nasal and eye secretions of infected dogs. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite, lethargy, nose bleeds, rapid breathing and seizures.
Rabies Rabies is a severe and often fatal disease that affects a dog’s brain and central nervous system. The virus can be transmitted by the bite of an infected (rabid) animal, but also through exposure to infected saliva. Symptoms can range from shyness and strange behaviour, to aggression and paralysis in the head and neck area, which results in an inability to swallow, excess salivation or ‘foaming at the mouth’, and eventually respiratory distress. Sadly, death soon follows. It is compulsory to vaccinate against Rabies under South African law. Cats are very good at hiding disease and by the time a cat displays the signs of illness, it may be severely ill. Dr Avalon recommends vaccinating against: Feline Panleukopenia Virus (Parvovirus) Feline Parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease and because the virus is everywhere in the environment, virtually all cats are exposed to it at some point. Signs of Feline Parvovirus include depression, loss of appetite, high fever, vomiting, severe diarrhoea, nasal discharge and dehydration.
Do you know which vaccines are essential to the health of your beloved pet? Are your pet’s vaccines up to date?
Chlamydia Feline chlamydia in cats is caused by bacteria and is seen as conjunctivitis. Cats are infected through contact with infected cats, food bowls, bedding, litter trays and their owner's hands. Symptoms include swelling of the conjunctiva (tissue around the eye), redness of the conjunctiva (pink eye), tearing, squinting, and discharge from the eye. Feline Calicivirus Feline Calcivirus infection is a common respiratory disease in cats. The disease is acquired after coming into contact with other infected cats such as in multicat households, shelters, and in poorly ventilated catteries. However, because the virus is resistant to disinfectants, cats may come into contact with it in almost any environment. Symptoms include loss of appetite, nasal discharge, ulcers on the tongue, nose, or around claws, difficulty breathing, lameness and fever. Rhinotracheitis (Feline Herpes Virus) Feline Herpes Virus is the most common cause of upper respiratory disease in cats, especially in multicat households. The virus is spread via oral and respiratory secretions of infected cats, contact with infected food and water bowls, litter trays and bedding. Symptoms include sneezing, nasal discharge, conjunctivitis, loss of appetite and depression.
Rabies Rabies is an inflammatory infection that affects the gray matter of the cat’s brain and its central nervous system. Rabies is transmitted via the bite of an infected cat and its symptoms includes pica, seizures, paralysis, a dropped jaw, unusual shyness or aggression, excessive salivation or frothy saliva, constant irritability and changes in behaviour. Feline Leukemia Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) commonly causes anaemia or lymphoma and suppresses the immune system. FeLV is passed from one cat to another through saliva, blood, urine and faeces. Grooming or fighting are common ways in which the infection can spread. Symptoms include pale gums, white eyes, yellow colour in the mouth, weight loss, poor coat condition, lethargy, diarrhoea and difficulty breathing. Feline Immunodeficiency virus (Feline AIDS) Feline AIDS or FIV is an infectious disease caused by a retrovirus, and is similar to the HIV virus in humans. Feline AIDS can be caused through bite wounds or scratches by an infected cat, sexual transmission or passed on to kittens at the time of birth. Symptoms include weight loss, poor coat condition, diarrhoea, anaemia, bad oral hygiene, infections of the skin, eye, urinary tract and respiratory tract, as well as cancer (sudden lymphoma).
Kittens and puppies should be vaccinated from the age of six weeks. Boosters are given at 12 weeks of age and usually annually on recommendation of your veterinarian. Rabies vaccinations are given at nine and 12 weeks, with boosters every three years. “The staff at our hospital have firsthand experience of the despair that sicknesses such as these can cause to dogs and cats, and to those that love and care for them. Vaccinating your pets is the most responsible thing to do and without it, consequences could be fatal”, said Dr Avalon. 13
Back into the wild
In November 2012, while hiking in the Greyton Nature Reserve, a staff member of the City of Cape Town Biodiversity Unit came across an African Wildcat that appeared to be ill. The animal was immediately brought to the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA’s Wildlife Unit in Grassy Park for examination by an SPCA veterinarian who diagnosed the young adult male with Biliary, also known as Tick Bite Fever. Dedicated wildlife unit Inspector Megan Reid placed the animal under 24-hour observation in high care within the unit. Determined to see the animal recover, Inspector Reid administered electrolytes and fluids
SPCA - there for animals, big and small In February, the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA Wildlife Unit received an unusual patient to its short-term care facility. A tiny adult Cape Dwarf Chameleon, which is found throughout Cape Town, had its front toe accident-
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ally cut off while a Wynberg resident was pruning the hedges in her garden. The animal received the necessary treatment and after two weeks of t.l.c, was released at the Kenilworth Racecourse Conservation area.
every hour for 24 hours, and the animal was placed on a high iron diet with food provided every two hours. Thanks to the care and compassion of Inspector Reid, and two months of dedicated treatment, the African Wildcat recovered fully and gained sufficient weight to allow his release back at the Greyton Nature Reserve. “It was a very special moment for the wildlife unit team to see this beautiful creature, which had been on death’s door not too long ago, running free once more. We’re confident that this wild cat will go on to live a long and happy life back in the wild”, said Inspector Reid.
If you come into contact with injured or displaced wildlife, whether big or small, contact the unit on 021 700 4158/9 during office hours or on 083 326 1604 after hours, weekends and on public holidays.
Ani-Pals reaches 108 000 learners over 10 years! First launched in 2003, as a result of a significant commitment by the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA to invest in humane education, the society’s Ani-Pals Education and Mobile Clinic Programme reaches thousands of young learners across Cape Town each year (15,692 in the last financial year). Ani-Pals teaches children about responsible pet care, promotes compassionate behaviour and also advocates the sterilisation of pets. An extended version of the programme is also rolled out to 11 schools in impoverished communities each year. The team spends three weeks at each of these schools - first educating the learners on pet care, and then encouraging them to admit their pets to the education mobile clinic to be sterilised. The programme targets Grade R - 5 learners and its objectives are threefold, namely to: 1. Educate children on the five basic pet care guidelines to prevent animal cruelty; 2. To improve the health of our communities by encouraging learners to keep their pets healthy and prevent the transmission of animal to human health diseases, (i.e. worm infestation and skin diseases caused by mange); 3. To inspire compassionate behaviour by demonstrating to children that animals feel pain and should be loved and cared for, just as people deserve to be treated. May 2013 marked the 10th anniversary of SPCA’s Ani-Pal Education Programme. Education Manager Lucille Boonzaier shared a few of the highlights and successes of the programme over the past 10 years: 2003 In an effort to address the lack of education in disadvantaged communities, which is a major cause for the neglect and abuse of animals within these communities, the SPCA
approached a top marketing company for assistance and the idea of the Ani-Pals Education Programme was born. 2004 The National Lotteries Board granted the SPCA further funding to continue the programme. 2005 The programme was revised and the puppet show was translated into Xhosa, English and Afrikaans. 2006 The CoGH SPCA was invited to attend the WSPA 2006 workshop in Dar es Salaam to share its experience and to increase its effectiveness. 2007 Ani-Pals Education programme was awarded top honours by WSPA, which considered animal welfare educational programmes from organisations in 90 countries. 2008 The Foschini Group provided the programme with funding towards a Xhosa speaking educator to better educate Xhosa speaking learners.
2009 Ani-Pals Education programme was awarded the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Education in the City of Cape Town’ by the city’s Environmental Resource Management Department. l Ani-Pals received an award of recognition from Sid-G-Rule Primary School in Grassy Park for making a significant contribution to the development of the community. 2010 The National Lotteries Board approved the CoGH SPCA’s request for funding for the redevelopment of the programme. 2011 Funding is fully expended in the redevelopment of the AniPals Education programme to incorporate classroom activity booklets approved as curriculum based for foundation phase learners by the Western Cape Education Department. l Two new puppet shows were
created to speak to learners from different socio-economic backgrounds in English and Xhosa. l Barloworld Toyota Western Cape generously contributed R120, 000 to the Ani-Pals Education programme. l The new redeveloped AniPals Education Programme was officially launched by the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille on the 6 September 2011. 2012 The CoGH SPCA Ani-Pals Education programme was awarded R150,000 from Airports Company South Africa, Cape Town International Airport for the reprinting and repairing of the tools of the programme. To date, more than 108 000 learners received education on responsible pet care and over 6000 sterilisations have been performed thanks to the SPCA Ani-Pals Education and Mobile Clinic Programme. 15
Every step Photo by Angelo Marsiglia
Cape of Good Hope SPCA CEO, Allan Perrins receives a generous contribution from Pick n Pay’s Marketing Manager (Western Cape), Mark Jennings.
Right: Kistenhof residents Zara and Donelle Barthus with dog Lula, and Dylan and Tauriq Barthus with dog Cody enjoyed their morning walkies. 16
Photo by Angelo Marsiglia
Thousands of two and four legged walkers took part in the Pick n Pay SPCA Wiggle Waggle Walkathon, Cape Town’s largest dog walk.
Photo by Simone Milward
counts
In the last year, two and four legged walkers from all over Cape Town went walkies for the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA and helped to raise thousands for the many homeless, injured and abused animals they rescue and care for.
The family-friendly 4.5 km walk was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Right: Good Hope FM presenter and event MC, Guy McDonald, and Natalie Damain-Harris of Bergvliet with her dog George.
Photo by Andrew Waltman
Photo by Angelo
Marsiglia
For the 18th year running, the iconic Pick n Pay SPCA Wiggle Waggle Walkathon, which took place on 2 December 2012, attracted almost 2000 walkers and their dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds. “It was a pawsome morning out, filled with happy barks and wagging tails at the Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology in Tokai”, said Lise-Marie Greeff-Villet, Communications Manager for the CoGH SPCA. The day started at 9am with popular radio presenter Guy McDonald from Good Hope FM who got the crowds geared up at the start line for the fun, family 4.5km walk through the leafy suburb of Tokai. Walkers meandered their way along the circular route through Firgrove and Soetvlei roads and finished back at the school at around 11am where they enjoyed a variety of food and beverages. Many participants also walked away with give-aways from Pick and Pay and other generous sponsors. Children were treated to facepainting, fun rides and other kid’s activities, while the dogs - after being well exercised - cooled off under shaded tents and took a dip in the large water baths provided. “Thanks to the support of generous event sponsor Pick n Pay, and media partners Good Hope FM, and Super Sports Let’s Play, we were able to raise almost R120 000 which will go directly to helping the CoGH SPCA prevent animal cruelty during the festive season and beyond”.
Jade Myburgh from Goodwood with best friends Echo and Harley. 17
Photo by Simone Milward
Photo by Desire Kohn
Relaxing after a pawsome walk!
Photo by Simone Milward
On 24 March 2013, the winelands of the northern suburbs were bustling with happy barks as 1 223 walkers and 971 dogs set off on the annual SPCA PURINA Woefie Wandel. This year the increasingly popular walk was staged at the picturesque D’Aria Wine Estate in Durbanville. Crowds were welcomed by event MC, actress and TVpresenter, Vicki Davis who, along with her energetic Collie, Jonathan, encouraged walkers as they set off on the familyfriendly 2km meander through low lying vineyards, while other walkers opted for a more challenging 4km route. After the walk many people stayed on to enjoy wine and delicious eats while their Hundreds of excited two and four legged walkers set off on this year’s SPCA Woefie Wandel. dogs cooled off in the numerous water baths. PURINA and MySchool provided fantastic prizes to the winners of various Right: Abie lucky draws and fun competition categories Collins such as the biggest dog, smallest dog, from loveliest dog couple, cutest dog, and most Goodwood heart-warming SPCA rescue dog story. with his Our thanks also to media partners Radio Tygerberg, Super Sports Let’s Play and the dog, Seven. Tyger Burger for their support.
Photo by Angelo Marsiglia
Skyla with dog Oortjies, chats to Vicky Davis.
Photo by Angelo Marsiglia
Hendrick and Kelly Smith from Sunningdale Parklands with Ella, Oscar and Ollie. 18
Team SPCA raises thousands
for Cape Town’s animals A dedicated group of 93 cyclists and 22 runners proudly suited up in their Team SPCA gear to participate in the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour and the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon in March 2013. Together the Teams raised over R400 000 for the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA and the many animals the Society rescues and cares for in Cape Town. Team SPCA members spent months raising funds through events, taking on sponsored training challenges, and encouraging their friends and family to support them by donating to the CoGH SPCA through online fundraising websites such as Do It for Charity: www.doit4charity.co.za or direct deposits. Each member was required to raise a minimum of R2 500, but many far exceeded the expectations of SPCA Challenge Fundraising Coordinator Natasha Johannes who said, “We were blown away by the dedication and generosity of our Team SPCA members, many of whom raised much more than the required amount and some as much as R20 000. Each team member truly believes in our mission to speak for, protect and care for all animals and this was evident in their participation”. Special thanks go to Bayer and Ultra Dog for sponsoring the cycling shirts and to New Balance for their sponsorship of the running shirts.
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Some of the 93 Team SPCA cyclists.
Interested in making your race count for more? Sign up now to raise funds for the SPCA by cycling in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour and/or running in the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon in 2014. To find out more contact Natasha Johannes on 021 700 4155/41 or email awareness@spca-ct.co.za.
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Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour Team Carol-Anne (Cally) KĂźhne - TOP FUNDRAISER Colleen Harrison Terry-Ann Jacobs Hester Oosthuizen Carin Gouws ( Swanepoel) Greta Geerts Marius G Becker Deon Pieterse Ida-Marie Dubber Morne Viljoen William Murdoch Trengove Sedick Adams Pierre Hugo Burger Mark Penter Marike Brits Rian Moolman Shaun Rimer Juan Slabbert Carl Werner Rohwer Emma Kate Rohwer Annatjie Van Rooyen Stephan Van Rooyen Milton Impey Elenora Lubbe Brett Cownley Jacobus Christiaan Otto Andries Van Heerden Linelda Hiscock Matthew Harvey Luke Harvey Diego Baptista Justin Edwards Leigh McLaren
Talton Cooke Justin Cohen Jason Ramon Vavatzanidis Angelo Zanetti Anje Barnard Roche Nicholson Angela Woodward Jennifer Wallace Karin Hannweg Ronald Van Damme Pierre Mostert Talitha Venter Luke Brauteseth Clayton Coetzee Gregory Hosken Adam Olivier Deon Koen Zuhayr Harricombe Sumarie Roodt Brett Griffin Reginald Meintjes Andri Coetzee Friedrich Strey Neil Cochran Bryan Jones Antoinette Gervais Van Staaden Riaad Khan Shahad Khan Melvin Margro Bradley Van Staaden Mario Venter Izak Fourie Travers Summers
Peter Van Zyl Frank Molteno Eric Gous Adriaan Nel Roland Croxford Linda Croxford Mark Raa Warren Hickinbotham Lafras Uys Stefan Uys Jessica Vosloo Zelda Vosloo Dave Roberts Petronel Van Rhyn Elmare Botha Jess Robinson Leah Thompson Chanelle Nandi Birch
Minnie Elizabeth Birch Liezl Human Riaan Veldtmann
Donnè Deacon Leslie London Dr Gordon Greeff
Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon Team Natalie Irwin - TOP FUNDRAISER Cornelia Hutchinson Gary Hopkins Lloyd Jacobs Sue Ullyett Tamara Rainsford Angela Merrifield Claire Davidson Christy Watson Sarah Smith Theresa Isaacs
Jean-Mare Sanetra Frances Barrat Megan Pentz - Klutys Kirsten Maartens Rachael May Michelle Van Aardt Brigette Bowler Eric Von Bratt Nicole Leroy Lezel Wethmar Lizzy Strauss 13 21
Charming afternoon
at SPCA luncheon
Lucky draw prize winners
Jacobus Claasen and Phelelane Ndakrokra from Zip Zap Circus School perform a double act on the Cyr wheel. Left: Lee-Anne Curtis-Cox and the SPCA Royal Canin Mutt of the Year 2012, Bear. Right: Wine Sponsor Etienne Schlechter and wife Lisa.
Diarise now!
SPCA CEO Allan Perrins, SPCA’s Carol-Ann Brand, and new members to the Bequest Society, Janet Millar-Watt. and Dr. James Liddell 22
The annual SPCA Bequest Society and Donor Recognition luncheon, held on 6 December 2012 at the Vineyard Hotel in Newlands, was abuzz with smiles and cheer between likeminded individuals who belong to a very special family of animal lovers known as the SPCA Bequest Society. Bequest Society members who all have pledged a legacy to the Society, and their guests, gathered for some fine dining and entertainment to celebrate their commitment to helping the SPCA in its mission to care for and protect all animals. The afternoon was spent watching a spellbinding display of agility and grace from the Zip Zap Circus School artistes who performed juggling acts and delivered a jaw dropping act on the Cyr wheel. Thereafter guests fell in love with Bear, the SPCA Royal Canin Mutt of the Year 2012, who together with his owner Lee-Ann Curtis-Cox, demonstrated the precious bond that can exist between an adopted animal and its owner. Warrant Officer 2 Du Toit of the Malmesbury Stock Theft Unit was presented with an award in memory of Bukshi, a horse who died as a result of horrendous cruelty in 2010. Warrant Officer Du Toit was honoured in this way to thank him for going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure a criminal prosecution against Bukshi’s persecutors. The afternoon ended with a raffle of donated prizes. Special thanks to the following sponsors for helping to make the event such a success: The Vineyard Hotel, Congress Rentals, The Cake Decorators Guild (Fish Hoek), Bartenders Workshop, Kurt Schlechter, Lorna Hepple, Jacqui Symmonds of Jacqui’s Salon, Progress Lighting, Ingrid Heydenrych, Gail Vorster, Desiree Damon, Doreen Flanagan, Val Hallack and Janet Millar-Watt.
animals rate your love for e cheer and celeb tiv fes the in on on he are Come sh r Recognition Lunc t Society and Dono es qu to members Be en CA op SP at the tel. Bookings are at the Vineyard Ho 3 are 01 2 ats r e Se mb ily. ce 5 De eir friends and fam est Society and th email qu e or B 0 CA 15 4 SP 0 70 the 1 of -Ann Brand on 02 rol Ca ct nta co e limited so pleas your seat today. ca-ct.co.za to book bequestofficer@sp
Happy TAILS
We can’t take all the animals home with us, but sometimes, for the staff at the SPCA, it’s love at first sight...
Ferdinand the Bull finds his Daisy
Spongebob fur-pants now lives with Lise-Marie On any given day, when you walk into the office of the Communications, Education and Resource Development Manager of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Lise-Marie Greeff-Villet, you will find the department’s much loved feline co-worker Spongebob. Spongebob arrived at the SPCA in December 2012 as a stray in need of a permanent, loving home. Despite his charismatic personality and striking good looks, this kitten couldn’t seem to find his match. Many visitors to the society’s adoption centre perceived him to be aggressive, despite staff reassuring them that he was merely playful. At the time of his arrival, Spongebob was kept in the adoption centre’s office, separate from the rest of the kittens inside the cattery to ensure that he stayed healthy while waiting to receive his vaccinations. When Lise-Marie, an avid catlover, met Spongebob, she decided to keep him in her office during the day, just until he was ready to move in with the other kittens. Little did she know that Sponge-bob would soon charm his way into her heart, so much so that he never went back to the SPCA’s cattery. Spongebob now resides in Stellenbosch with his new mom and dad and other feline brothers and sisters. Lise-Marie’s coworkers enjoy Spongebob’s company so much, that he now visits the office regularly to spread some joy.
In January 2013, an 18 month old male Nguni bull that was found grazing unsupervised alongside a busy road in Mitchell’s Plain, was rescued by the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA and brought back to the Society’s farmyard in Grassy Park. Shortly before the Nguni arrived, a calf named Daisy also took up residence in the farmyard. She had been brought to the farmyard by the Swartland SPCA who had rescued her after she had fallen off the back of an over-laden bakkie and was left abandoned on the side of the road by her previous owner. Daisy was hand-raised and therefore had more of an affinity towards humans than her fellow animal friends in the farmyard. Farmyard workers often noticed Daisy all by her lonesome in the farmyard. However, when Daisy met the Nguni bull, they instantly got along and spent their time together. During a visit to the SPCA, Sue Sonnenberg from Diemersfontein Estate in Wellington saw Daisy and she immediately fell in love with and adopted the young calf, leaving a sad Nguni behind. As fate would have it, no one came forward to claim Nguni. CoGH SPCA CEO Allan Perrins, who lives on the Diemersfontein Estate, could not bear to see the inseparable Daisy and Nguni parted and decided that he just had to reunite them. So he adopted the Nguni bull, now fondly known as Ferdinand. “Ferdinand and Daisy have become much-loved celebrities at the estate, where they have free-range of the beautiful landscape and ample grazing areas.”, said Perrins.
Roxy returns the favour Roxy, a female Jack Russell pup, came to the Cape of Good Hope (CoGH) SPCA as a stray in October 2012. She was so little and timid that the kennel staff decided to keep her in the office with them to help her settle in and build up her confidence. Sadly, despite her sweet nature and adorable looks, no one came forward to adopt her. That is until the society’s accountant, Darryl Burt, met Roxy and soon became smitten with her. Darryl and his wife June had lost their beloved Jack Russell, Milo, some time back due to kidney failure and felt that they were finally ready to welcome another fur-child into their lives and
so they adopted Roxy. Little did they know, Roxy would one day save their lives, just as they had rescued her. Darryl shared this with us: “In just three months of being in her new home, Roxy transformed into a wonderfully sociable, friendly and loyal companion. I am greeted every evening after work with a wagging tail - what a pleasure! She has become confident, loyal, and protective and seems grateful to us for giving her a home. This was evident in the early hours of the morning of 1 February 2013 when while sleeping on the floor of our bedroom, she alerted us to burglars. Roxy bravely dashed through the house ahead of me to inspect and pursued the intruders as they took off, tyres screeching. Shortly after, the street was alive with curious neighbours, flashing lights and sirens. We are thankful to Roxy for saving us by scaring off those intruders and we are grateful to the SPCA for allowing us to adopt this precious animal”.
In Memoriam Long standing donor and SPCA supporter Megan Pentz-Kluyts kindly contributed to the production of Footprints in memory of her dog Gus. Said Megan, “You were such a great companion Gus, my heart will always wear ‘paw prints’ left by you, my boy. I miss and love you, forever.” The following supporters also contributed, in memory of their beloved pets: 1. Astrid Austerfield Dedicated to Ginza and Petra 2. Santa Morom and James Allen In loving memory of Appel, Pikkie, Toffel and Patches 3. Phyllis Classe In memory of Neville and Christoper 4. Liz Williamson In memory of our friends Gordon, Scottie and Fluffy 5. Ranveer, Heidi, Zahra and Jahar Attwood-Persad In memory of Marmelade (Graham and Heather’s cat). 23