Cape Town, 23 October 2024 – FOUR PAWS South Africa, announces the launch of its mass sterilisation drive for companion animals. The initiative focuses on addressing the overpopulation of dogs in under-resourced communities in the Western Cape. In collaboration with Sidewalk Specials, People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), and Mdzananda Animal Clinic, FOUR PAWS aims to sterilise 600 dogs between October 2024 and January 2025, improving animal welfare and contributing to sustainable population control.

In many under-resourced communities, overpopulation of companion animals, especially dogs, continues to strain local communities and negatively impact animal welfare. “With this mass sterilisation drive, FOUR PAWS will address these issues head-on by collaborating with key local animal welfare organisations. This campaign aligns with FOUR PAWS’ broader goal of protecting animals and ensuring humane treatment through preventative measures like sterilisation,” said Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa.

FOUR PAWS will work alongside three other animal welfare organisations, each focusing on specific communities in need to make the largest possible impact:

• Sidewalk Specials: Focused in De Doorns and surrounding communities, Sidewalk Specials will sterilise 300 dogs and cats between November 2024 and January 2025.
• PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals): Targeting Bridgetown and Athlone in Cape Town, PDSA will sterilise 147 animals from October to November 2024.
• Mdzananda Animal Clinic: Operating in Khayelitsha, Mdzananda Animal Clinic aims to sterilise 159 animals from November 2024.

Together, FOUR PAWS and its partners will contribute to the overall goal of sterilising 600 dogs by the end of January 2025, addressing the overpopulation crisis in a meaningful and lasting way. Making a tangible and long-lasting impact on animal welfare in the Western Cape. The success of this mass sterilisation drive hinges on the support of compassionate donors and animal advocates. With the collaboration of Sidewalk Specials, PDSA, and Mdzananda Animal Clinic, the campaign will not only address the immediate needs of overpopulation but will also improve the overall health and welfare of companion animals in these under-served communities. Each animal receiving sterilisation will also receive a safe collar, rabies vaccination, dewormer and tick and flea treatment and some of the dogs will receive a 5-in-1 vaccination all aimed at improving the overall health of the pets and communities, and treatment of any other health issues encountered during this drive will also be prioritised.  

Miles emphasises the significance of the campaign, “mass sterilisation efforts are vital to break the cycle of overpopulation, particularly in areas with limited resources. By working together, we can improve the welfare of these animals and give hope to communities struggling to care for them. We invite all animal lovers to support this crucial campaign as we strive to create lasting change.”

FOUR PAWS’ mass sterilisation drive is an urgent and impactful initiative that will make a significant difference in the lives of companion animals and the communities in the Western Cape. This initiative highlights the organisation’s commitment to protecting animals through proactive and humane interventions. With the support of donors and advocates, FOUR PAWS and its partners will be able to fulfil their mission of improving the lives of 600 animals by early 2025, creating healthier and more sustainable communities.

For more information or to support the campaign, please visit FOUR PAWS South Africa.

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