WINDHOEK – The two-day Have-A-Heart sterilization project got underway in Windhoek this weekend where a team of local veterinarians worked from sunrise to sunset to complete the charity driven spay and neutering of nearly 90 dogs and cats in Katutura.
The Have-A-Heart (HAH) squad of volunteers set up base on Friday and Saturday at the Nathaniel Maxuilili Centre in Kilimanjaro/Babylon, where owners lined up with their pets, which were pre-screened weeks before. Due to the fact that there is no animal health care available in the townships and the alarming increase of unwanted litters, most dogs also carry illnesses, and all the animals that were registered for the ‘spayathon’ were treated against tick bite fever, worms and inoculated prior to being operated. Volunteer scouts from Windhoek offered free dipping, as well as pet care tips on site. Each animal was returned to its owner after the operation and given a starter pack comprising food and a blanket. This was the first time that local private and state veterinarians were brought on board to replace the South African team from last year. The mission was led by Rehoboth vet Dr Arnold Olivier and Dr Ian Kauro with assistant Damaskus Goseb. They worked side by side over the two days with Adriaan Adank and Dr Ian Baines (Windhoek Animal Hospital), Lana Hango and Benediktus Kanutus (state vet), as well as Dr Shepherd Sajeni of the Windhoek Vet Clinic.
A fleet of private vehicles and a dedicated Spes Bona van and driver moved between the centre and the SPCA transporting the animals to and from the clinic and back to their owners till late in the evening. The team of seven local vets, as well as veterinary nurses, HAH volunteers, SPCA staff members and a crew from the Windhoek Scouts gave it their all to ensure the well-being of the animals. The campaign was a described a huge success. A follow-up spayathon will take place in the capital later this year.
The second nationwide Have-A-Heart Spay & Neuter programme launched last year by Lindie Prinsloo has already seen many pets receiving treatment in Lüderitz and Rehoboth.
Still to come are Swakopmund, Rundu, Outjo, Henties Bay, Gobabis and Otjiwarongo. Donations for the Have-A-Hart-Spay and Neuter Project are still needed. The organizers can be reached via their website: www.have-a-heartspayandneuterproject.comor on face book.
By Donna Collins