Abandoned dogs have been pouring through the doors of the Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha.
The increase started as soon as lockdown Level 3 came into effect, according to Marcelle du Plessis who is the fundraising and communications manager at the clinic.
“We believed the decrease in handovers was due to people being at home more and having time to bond with their pets.
“However, as soon as lockdown Level 3 came into effect, the pets started pouring in.
“We can only think that the economic impact has now taken a great toll, forcing people to hand over their animals as they can no longer look after them.”
Last week a homeless bitch and her three newborn puppies were found behind the Khayelitsha braai stands.
Du Plessis says they were brought to Mdzananda where they received medical care, a warm bed and food.
SPECIAL FRIENDS: Vets giving medical care to a hondjie
They named the mom Hazel.
In that same week, the clinic also received two more bitches with 19 puppies in total, two puppies in a box, and two older dogs, among others.
By last Thursday, the small shelter facility was at capacity.
In addition, heavy rains have flooded the shelter: “When it rains it pours in Khayelitsha.
“Our shelter and office flooded. Our homeless dogs were all moved into our hospital facility until the water dries up. This, however, puts a strain on our hospital space as we are full to the brim with patients,” added Du Plessis.
It costs the clinic around R1500 to care for an abandoned pet in their first month.
The clinic now needs help to stay afloat.
*To make a donation to Mdzananda Animal Clinic please use their account:
Standard Bank Account number 075595710, Reference: Winter +Your Name.