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17/07/2008 12:33 PM - (SA) Tough year for township animals 17-07-2008
At least 20 pups died of the infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH) disease, Jillian Cunningham said in her Chairman report. Daughter Vanessa, who does inspections, in her township report also mentions that in January a plague of ticks broke out and they feared it may escalate into an epidemic. Fortunately Virbac answered their plea and donated 400 XL preventive collars - this not only gave the animals immunity against ticks and fleas for six months, but helped for mange too. Virbac is thanked for their help. Other drug companies have been approached for help but the group is still waiting for their response. Vanessa said they sometimes battled with dips and injections, but as soon as they get owners or even neighbours to start feeding their dogs better, then the recovery starts. Lakato in March donated four wheelie bins of loose dog and cat biscuits. They also thanked all who donated or made dog kennels. "Moms with pups, pathetic hairless dogs, those with wounds or burns, or recovering from illness get priority. It is such a wonderful feeling to find a dog curled up in a kennel, on a cold, rainy and windy day," Vanessa said. Less than 20 animals had to be euthanased due to injury or illness while a number of cats and dogs had to be removed due to owners dying or moving away, and new homes were found for these animals, some in Nomzamo and Lwandle. Jillian Cunningham was re-elected as chairman, Gill Bailey as secretary, Vanessa Cunningham as treasurer. The other committee members are Jane Hazelden, Ian Rutler and Chris Cohen. Jillian in her annual report said adoptions were down (almost half) on last year, resulting in a lower income from this. Donations at the craft market and veldwinkel are also down from last year, but overall donations are up substantially, thanks to Round Table and the PC Harvey Trust. Money boxes are down, mainly due to the box at Nando's, Strand, having been cancelled. Expenses for vet bills and medications were also less than last year, while food costs were more, but less than expected because since December 2007 all dry food were donated. The vehicle expenses were down last year compared to the previous year, when the bakkie was stolen, due to extra registration and insurance costs.This resulted in a surplus of R34 595. Jillian thanked Drs Peter Humphreys, Keith Viljoen and Maryna Dooge who carried out sterilisations at greatly reduced fees, Stellenbosch AWS who donated a very large amount of tinned food, Lakato for a few bakkie loads of dried dog and cat food and the Rotary Anns of Helderberg Rotary Club for their Christmas cards, as well as other individuals and organisations for their donations.
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