Be a part of the change! Change 12 000 township pets' lives in two months

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Khayelitsha, launches it's first ever crowdfunding campaign. In two months they aim to raise enough funds to change 12 000 township pets' lives. Be a part of the change!

Townships in South Africa are known for poverty, crime and violence. Animal abuse and neglect is part of everyday life. Imagine a change – a community where animals are seen as companions by every community member. The Mdzananda Animal Clinic is creating this change and YOU can help!

We wish to raise one year’s medical drugs and consumables costs ($40 000 / R600 000) to treat approximately 12 000 animals during our next financial year July 2016 - June 2017. Support the campaign by visiting https://igg.me/at/-WHnfaom9c0

A township such as Khayelitsha suffers from high rates of violence, poverty, disease and social distress. Children are born into a cycle of poverty and insecurity believing that rape, hunger, violence and cruelty are norms. Animals are victims of this environment as much as humans are and the health of the two is undoubtedly linked. At Mdzananda we believe that a community that loves animals is a healthy community. By looking after an animal people learn responsibility, respect for life, compassion and non-violence. These are valuable attributes which flow over into everyday life.

The Khayelitsha township is home to an estimate of 500 000 people and their 170 000 pets. The majority of dogs and cats are unvaccinated meaning infectious diseases are extremely prevalent. Pets are unsterilized meaning a constant increase in animals. There is a great lack of knowledge about animal husbandry leading to nutritional and parasitic diseases. The lack of established properties and stray dog population results in many animals roaming the township and being victims of motor vehicle accidents. These are only a few examples of the challenges animals face in a township environment.

Support our crowdfunding campaign here https://igg.me/at/-WHnfaom9c0

However, this does not mean that they are not loved.

It is often of the opinion that people in townships should not own pets. At Mdzananda have a different opinion. Anyone who visits Mdzananda has the pleasure of meeting owners who adore their animals. Lack of education and funds are what generally result in neglect, illnesses and injuries. Mdzananda works on educating the community while providing low cost veterinary services.

This year we celebrate a milestone year - 20 years of serving animals and their community!

The Mdzananda Animal Clinic serves up to 1000 animals per month through consultations, hospitalization and surgery for sick and injured animals, primarily dogs and cats. Other services that we provide include performing continuous sterilizations, rehoming unwanted or abandoned pets and assisting with cases of neglect or abuse.

With 31% of the households in Khayelitsha falling below the poverty line of $121 / R1845 per household per month it is impossible for most people to afford private or even standard veterinary welfare organization fees. There is also little to no transport for community members to access help for their pets outside the Khayelitsha area. The Mdzananda Animal Clinic offers low cost veterinary services, generally not even covering our cost price, in the heart of the Khayelitsha township.

Support our crowdfunding campaign here https://igg.me/at/-WHnfaom9c0

Apart from our permanent clinic our Mobile Clinics reach areas of the community that are too far for people to walk. We often have clients visiting Mdzananda pushing their pets in trolleys, prams or wheelbarrows for over 10km. Our Mobile Clinics help to make services for their pets easily accessible. An ambulance service that collects and delivers animals is also available.

We have a strong focus on community empowerment and education. Only through education can we make a lasting impact in the lives of animals and their human compaions. Our education clinics visit various areas in the community twice a week. Our approach is to focus on understanding the community’s needs, embracing this, gaining their respect and trust and working with them on making the change.

Our vision is to transform the community into one where every animal is treated with companionship and care and in so doing creating a healthier community for animals and humans alike.

Please assist us to raise the funds needed to change 12 000 pets lives over the next year.

Support our crowdfunding campaign here https://igg.me/at/-WHnfaom9c0