Ahead of World Rescue Dog Day, CT NPO urges residents to adopt instead of buy
The annual observance on 20 May carries the theme 'adopt, don’t shop', aimed at curbing the number of animals left in shelters.
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CAPE TOWN - With many Cape Town animal shelters at capacity, a local non-profit is urging residents to adopt rather than buy, ahead of World Rescue Dog Day next week.
The annual observance on 20 May carries the theme "Adopt, don’t shop", aimed at curbing the number of animals left in shelters.
Non-profit, Run for the Dogs SA is leading the charge by hosting community runs that pair shelter dogs with volunteers, giving the animals exercise and exposure to potential adopters.
Founder Jessica Strydom said while shelters are overwhelmed, many people still turn to breeders.
"There are hundreds of shelters in Cape Town which are absolutely to the brim with dogs and yet people go to breeders to go and get a pure-bred dog for thousands of rands when there are thousands of animals in need of a home already."
Strydom said the organisation was also ramping up efforts with a sterilisation campaign, aiming to sterilise 100 dogs in just two days.
"Currently all donations that are made is going towards our sterilisation drive and next week, Saturday on the 24th of May, we are having a doggy high tea at the President Hotel in Sea Point and all proceeds from that event are going to the sterilisation drive."