Cape
kids involved in unique initiative Neglect
and abuse of animals is something that animal welfare societies
come
across everyday. “We have to deal with
dogs with broken legs where owners have used kicks to discipline
them, and bitches covered with mange because they are undernourished
and un-sterilized and their bodies just can’t cope with
the endless drain of producing pups season after season…” says
Estelle le Roux, a volunteer fieldworker and Vice-Chairperson
of KAWS, (Kleinmond Animal Welfare Society).
“You can
call it abuse…but in reality these cases are a result
of a complete lack of understanding! Awareness and education
in responsible and caring pet ownership is vital. People
need to understand that there are better ways to train and
treat
their animals.
The challenge
facing all animal welfare organizations is how to get these
educational messages
to effectively reach
into the disadvantaged communities.” KAWS had an idea. Why not handpick 8 keen youngsters and
educate them in all aspects of basic pet care and the ‘rewards
and praise’ method of dog training? Thus with the whole-hearted
support of Kleinmond veterinarian, Dr Peter Dave, and Betty’s
Bay businessman, Etienne Thomas, the KAWS Kadets programme
was born! “Eight children between the ages of 9 and 13 readily
underwent 9 weeks of training, twice a week after school and
through exam times and their school holidays!” says Chris
Burlock, programme originator and coordinator. “They
all graduated with scores of between 65-95%!”
“Its not a week since they graduated and already the
KAWS Kadets are making a difference!” beamed Estelle, “They
have alerted me to dogs chained to posts with no shelter…now
we can show the owners how to install a running line and KAWS
will make loan kennels available to them so these dogs will
now be able to sleep out of the rain!
They are
helping me take dogs to the vet for treatment and they
are showing their
families and friends how to train their dogs using kindness
not kicks!
Kadets will also be helping at the KAWS Community Veterinary
Clinics and are available to walk dogs for the elderly who
are no longer able to exercise their pets.”
So this unique local initiative looks set to change animal
abuse into animal appreciation…by getting right into
the heart of community!
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