|
LOCKDOWN GUNSHOT VICTIMS
AT OUR HOSPITAL IN KHAYELITSHA.
… BUT THE CLOCK IS TICKING.
At the SA.MAST Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha, South Africa's largest township, we have, for over a decade, done everything we can to alleviate pain and suffering, and proactively help the community to manage their cat and dog population numbers. With veterinary interventions listed as essential services during the Covid-19 lockdown, our animal ambulances are still regularly dispatched to assist guardians with their sick or injured animals.
Two of our latest admissions, Fifi and Fido, are gunshot victims. They were collected from a home in Khayelitsha after allegedly being shot by SAPS officers while enforcing lockdown. The wounds inflicted are deliberate, but it is unclear why the dogs were specifically targeted.
While both dogs are receiving prescription drugs for pain management, only Fido has been physically strong enough to undergo surgery and on Friday a rubber bullet was successfully removed from his shoulder. Fifi is suffering from Canine Erlichiosis, which means she would bleed excessively during surgery, however she is in a stable condition and we hope to operate within the next 48 hours. We'll keep you updated.
The shooting has been reported and the bullets will be handed in as evidence to SAPS. We are concerned that the shooters will not be identified if the case is not thoroughly investigatd. It is also quite possible that Fifi and Fido will not be the only gunshot victims in the weeks or months to come.
TO STOP THE SUFFERING, WE'RE REACHING OUT IN EVERYWAY WE CAN, WHILE WE CAN.
A proactive measure we've taken is to send out thousands of text messages informing Khayelitsha and Mfuleni residents, most of whom do not have their own transport, that our free animal ambulance service will respond to all their animal emergencies. We've also let our communities know that, if they need to surrender their cat or dog during this difficult time, to contact us for assistance.
|
WHAT IS DONE IN THE NEXT 60 DAYS
WILL MAKE OR BREAK US:
However, our ability to help with emergencies beyond the next sixty days is now in question, as local and international funds have either been radically reduced or cancelled entirely because of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
• There is no SPCA in Khayelitsha.
• We don't have millions of Rands in investment accounts.
• When someone in Khayelitsha is desperate to save their cat or dog, but cannot afford to pay for veterinary services, they are told to go to SA.MAST.
• We have sterilised over 20 000 cats and dogs.
• We have rehomed hundreds and hundreds of abandoned animals.
WE HAVE A PASSION FOR MAKING TOMORROW BETTER TODAY
AND
AN ABSOLUTE COMMITMENT TO THE COMPASSIONATE DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA'S LARGEST TOWNSHIP
Unless we receive some good news soon, we may be forced to sell off the few high-value items we have, such as our x-ray equipment, just so that we can provide the bare minimum in veterinary services to the poorest of the poor. At worst, we will have to close our doors either temporarily or permanently.
|
A once-off or regular monthly donation would be greatly appreciated and help us to continue our life-saving work.
PLEASE...
UP FOR ADOPTION AFTER LOCKDOWN:
FOR MORE INFO WHATSAPP LINDA: 0826899432
Lady and her four puppies were surrendered to SA.MAST. They are now seven weeks old and the whole family moved into foster care just before lockdown.
|
.png)
