TEARS Animal Rescue in Cape Town is struggling with an overpopulation crisis, with 338 animals currently in its shelter. The facility has had to temporarily stop admitting new adult dogs and puppies until adoption rates increase, as the system for fostering is stretched thin. To combat the issue, TEARS is holding a ‘Forever home for holidays’ open day at its kennels and cattery on 16 and 17 December, encouraging residents to adopt rescue pets.
Overburdened with 338 animals, TEARS Animal Rescue in Cape Town has been temporarily closed to new adult dogs and puppies until adoption rates increase. The shelter’s system for fostering is stretched thin, with adult dogs waiting for admission into the kennel. To combat the crisis, TEARS has planned a ‘Forever home for holidays’ open day at its cattery and kennels, encouraging residents of Cape Town to adopt rescue pets.
In today’s world, where cities are growing at an unprecedented pace and human activities are never-ending, the faint cry of distress often gets drowned in the hustle and bustle. But amongst the towering skyscrapers and the throbbing city life, there lay safe havens, nurturing the more vulnerable ones in our global community – our animal friends. In the heart of Cape Town, there exists one such sanctuary, TEARS Animal Rescue, battling with an overpopulation crisis.
Presently, TEARS Animal Rescue finds itself in a predicament. The shelter, designed to provide refuge, has been temporarily closed due to its capacity being exceeded by 88 animals, with the total count reaching 338. The surge in animal numbers has necessitated a halt in the admission of new adult dogs and puppies until the adoption rates increase enough to allow for more intake.
The current situation is dire, as revealed by Mandy Store, the operation’s manager at TEARS. She shared that the shelter’s system for fostering is stretched thin, with the veterinary clinic and stray runs swarming with adult dogs requiring care or waiting for admission into the kennel.
Luke Kruyt, the kennel manager, provided further insight, explaining that the temporary closure aims to enhance the shelter’s ability to administer the crucial treatment, rehabilitation, and care that every rescued pet unquestionably needs.
The shelter has seen a drop in the adoption numbers by nearly 40% compared to the previous year, as highlighted by Mandy Store. Additionally, the number of animals, mainly dogs, being surrendered has seen a remarkable increase due to pet owners facing difficulties in providing food for them, leading to an alarming rise in pet homelessness.
TEARS believes that the public can play a vital role in combating this crisis by supporting the ‘Adopt don’t shop’ movement. They urge the residents of Cape Town to consider bringing homeless pets into their homes, particularly during this time.
To promote this cause, TEARS has planned a ‘Forever home for holidays’ open day at its cattery and kennels. Scheduled for the following weekend, the event aims to propagate the message that rescue pets are truly ‘the best breed’ and encourage individuals and families to adopt rescue pets, creating room for another pet in need.
Lara van Rensburg, TEARS’ head of marketing and fundraising, echoed this sentiment. She emphasized the public’s potential to foster or adopt rescue pets and noted the growing disparity between pet adoptions and homelessness. The crisis worsens as pet owners struggle to provide care and with the dwindling availability of pet-friendly rentals.
Van Rensburg called for Cape Town to establish itself as a pet-friendly city and urged local businesses to participate in resolving the pet homelessness issue and public health concerns by contributing to animal sterilization and vaccination programs.
Those interested in participating in the ‘Forever home for holidays’ open day can mark their calendars for Saturday, 16 December, and Sunday, 17 December, from 10am to 2pm at 4 Lekkerwater Road, Cape Town. Those preferring digital interaction can visit the TEARS website to access the adoption link.
As the fight persists, TEARS Animal Rescue stands as a symbol of resilience, compassion, and solidarity in the face of challenges. Every adoption, every fostering act, and every contribution bring us one step closer to a world where no animal’s cry goes unheard, where every creature has a shelter, and where love transcends species.
TEARS Animal Rescue is an animal shelter in Cape Town dedicated to providing refuge, treatment, and rehabilitation to rescued pets.
TEARS has reached its maximum capacity of 338 animals, resulting in a temporary closure to new adult dogs and puppies until adoption rates increase and the shelter’s system for fostering is no longer stretched thin.
The public can support the ‘Adopt don’t shop’ movement and consider bringing homeless pets into their homes, particularly during this time. TEARS is holding a ‘Forever home for holidays’ open day at its cattery and kennels on December 16 and 17, encouraging residents to adopt rescue pets.
The shelter has seen a drop in adoption numbers by nearly 40% compared to the previous year, and the number of animals being surrendered has seen an increase due to pet owners facing difficulties in providing food for them.
Local businesses can contribute to animal sterilization and vaccination programs to address the pet overpopulation crisis and public health concerns.
Individuals can visit the TEARS website at www.tears.org.za to access the adoption link.
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