Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Cape Town clinic launches programme for more pet sterilisations
Pictured: Dr Rightwell Munyuki, owner and veterinary surgeon ar Blue Downs Animal Hospital.

The clinic hopes to curb unsustainable pet population growth.

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, has launched a satellite sterilisation clinic to fight against overwhelming pet population growth in the area.

Partnering with an animal hospital in a neighbouring suburb, Blue Downs, the Mdzananda Animal Clinic opened the Satellite Sterilisation Partnership Clinic to sterilise a larger amount of animals.

Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications executive for the clinic, said: “The community’s pet population is skyrocketing. Backyard breeding is rife as puppy and kitten sales are income generators. 

“There is also a massive increase in the township’s size and population as people move to Cape Town from other provinces bringing their animals with them.

“There are many superstitions around female dogs needing to produce at least one litter and that males will lose their ‘manliness’ and stop protecting homes if sterilised. 

“The increasing population means insufficient homes or overcrowded homes which can lead to intentional and unintentional neglect.”

Partnering with Dr Rightwell Munyuki, owner and veterinary surgeon at Blue Downs, the clinic has been able to sterilise an extra 353 animals since the satellite clinic opened in January 2022.

Mdzananda Clinic sterilises 1,500 pets yearly, but as Sr Heidi May, general manager of Mdzananda, explained: “This is not enough, but due to our capacity at our facility, providing medical treatment to over 1000 animals per month, we are not able to do more. 

“We have limited space in our operating theatre and limited veterinarians who also need to care for all patients in our hospital and shelter.

“We believe in partnerships and that, through standing together, we can do even more good.”

Launched with the financial assistance of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, the project requires more funding to continue its mission, and the team are asking the public to become #SteriSuppawters, and donate to the programme.

“We would like to reach more animals than the targeted 720 for this year. We can do it but we need to source more funding to make that a reality,” Sr May added.

“We want to encourage the public to sign up as #SteriSuppawters and sponsor a sterilisation.”

Anyone interested in donating to the clinic can do so on the Mdzananda website, and any information required to donate can be requested from info@mdzananda.co.za 

 

Images (C) Mdzananda Animal Clinic

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.