First-Time Pilot Pet Project Manages Health and Population

For the first time ever, the Western Cape Government is making funds available for a pilot mass pet sterilisation and census campaign, initiated in Kayamandi, and soon to be rolled out across the entire Western Cape. Premier Helen Zille will launch the project in Kayamandi on Monday, 9 July 2012.

The province's R500 000 contribution complements the R400 000 sterilisation subsidy of the Stellenbosch Municipality toward an original Animal Welfare Society (AWS) Stellenbosch campaign. The collective funds will fund surgical costs, microchips and other essentials. All participants have additionally agreed to contribute towards the success of the project by donating their expertise and resources.

During the pet census, all counted pets will be vaccinated against rabies. All animals admitted for surgery will also have a micro-chip implanted to enable future identification. Owners will be provided with pet health and care literature to help improve the overall welfare and well-being of their pets.

In order to achieve success - defined as negligible pet population growth in the area - at least 70% of the approximately 3 500 animals will be sterilised within a six month time frame, which represents one breeding cycle.

Apart from the far-reaching social and community benefits, the envisaged outcome of a successful project will be fewer unwanted litters, improved animal health and welfare, a decline in aggressive dog behaviour, significantly fewer strays, fewer unnecessary euthanasias and lower welfare costs, which enables the various animal welfare charities to invest their hard-earned funds into other equally deserving causes and projects.

This is a concerted, cooperative effort between the veterinary profession, the welfare sector, academic institutions, government and the beneficiary community. Together we can create a better, healthier and happier community for people and their pets.

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has already committed itself to a further R1 million investment in this landmark initiative and the City of Cape Town is planning a similar project for the benefit of thousands of pets in the Cape Metro.