NSPCA visits Zonk'Izizwe for Mandela Day

As part of the day's work, the representatives faced collars so small they had become embedded in a dog's neck, leaving lasting scars; wounds left to fester and becoming septic; crude collars and leads made from chain, wire, cable, string, or coat hangers; some with a lack of food, water, and adequate shelter; roosters tied by their foot to a post; several chickens confined to a small cage; stray domestic and farm animals; well-loved family pets in need of vaccinations and sterilisations; and dedicated owners seeking new blankets for their animal companions and education about their care.

Recognising animals' importance in society

The group, which set up for the day at the Zonk'Izizwe Police Station from 10am until after 3pm, provided primary wound care for local animals, rabies vaccinations, care of farm animals, education on care and handling of animals, and roving units for those with limited mobility. Not only did they provide care for animals in need, but also recognised the importance of those animals in that community.

Communities in South Africa rely on animals for many reasons: companionship, problem animal control, protection and alarms, milk, eggs, meat, transport, power, and financial security. However, these animals may also suffer from neglect, which stems from a lack of knowledge and resources.

"Remember the spirit of the day and why we are here; to celebrate the courage of Madiba," reminded executive director of the NSPCA, Marcelle Meredith, who has been a part of the organisation for 35 years.

"The area has changed dramatically over that time," she said while fondly reminiscing about a tortoise her organisation once saved from certain death. "It's also heartbreaking; there are so many animals and their families who need assistance, but we won't be able to help everyone today, and it's hard to choose."

Working towards alleviating suffering

Some issues were easier: two dogs tied to a tree with cables and a coat hanger were quickly untied and presented with brand new red collars. Water bowls were cleaned and filled, with a rock placed at the bottom to prevent the animals from tipping it over. By hand, Meredith herself cleaned the area of broken glass, sticks, refuse and rocks. And when the owner returned, he listened intently and thanked the NSPCA team for helping.

Those animals requiring additional care were referred to veterinary nurse and manager of the NSPCA Wildlife Unit, Ainsley Hay, who along with other members of the NSPCA, set up outside the police station despite the initial morning chill.

"Primary health care is vital for domestic animals, they need protection from diseases and parasites. In underprivileged areas it is not only the people that suffer, but the animals too. People do not have access to veterinary care, and the animals go untreated if any ailments or injuries occur. We are here today in part to alleviate some of that suffering, to provide that education and some of those resources wherever possible," says Hay.

Children especially, who are taught to care and respect their animals respond better to authority figures and take on additional responsibility, and all residents become more sensitive to the needs of others.

Honouring the nation's citizens, both big and small

Onlookers and visitors were treated to the four- and five-year-old class from Khaya Lomuso Creche in Zone 3 who arrived in song; first with the national anthem and then with a song written by their dedicated principal Crimonia Ncaphayi.

"We have a right to have quality education, we have a right to have a loving family, we have a right to have enough to eat, we have a right to have respect and dignity," sang the children, celebrating their icon and former South African president Nelson Mandela.

And a perfect way to sum up the spirit of the day, as the man of honour himself is quoted as saying, "A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones."

For more information, go to www.nspca.co.za.