The shift in seasons from winter to spring creates an unexpected problem for Stellenbosch’s animal lovers: Unsterilised cats start breeding at such a rate that local shelters struggle to keep up with all the abandoned and stray kittens coming through their doors. This is according to Jessica Perrins, general manager of the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS). SMF News’ Kobus Erasmus reports.
South Africa has over four million stray dogs and cats, according to The State of Pet Homelessness Project. PHOTO: Kobus Erasmus
The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS), situated in Devon Valley, is home to over 70 cats, with the shelter taking in an average of two new cats per day, according to Jessica Perrins, general manager of the AWSS.
“Our kennels currently have 112 dogs and puppies in their care, and the cattery 70 cats and kittens,” said Perrins, in correspondence with SMF News. “We provide shelter for unwanted, stray, and abandoned animals.”
The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) takes in two new dogs and two new cats each day on average. This is according to Jessica Perrins, general manager of the AWSS. PHOTO: Kobus Erasmus
For Perrins, her passion for animals was ignited in 2009 when she rescued a four-day-old pitbull puppy, Piggy, that she bottle-fed and raised.
“For nearly 13 years, Piggy and I shared an unbreakable bond. Her rescue not only changed her life but also ignited a deep passion within me for animal welfare,” she said, reflecting on her time taking care of Piggy.
For the past nine years, Perrins dedicated her career to the AWSS, acting as the organisation’s general manager. The AWSS has been operational in Stellenbosch since 1956, said Perrins.
“We remain deeply committed to our mission of treating all animals as sentient beings with the right to a good quality [of] life,” she said.
The Brak Trap
The most recent installment of the AWSS’s Brak Trap took place on 26 October. The event allows members of the public to walk some of the shelter dogs on a pre-planned route through the Devon Valley vineyards. This is according to Carolyn Pringle, fundraising coordinator of the Brak Trap.
“For me, working here, it’s wonderful seeing the dogs getting so excited about going out,” said Pringle. “I’ve got a rescue dog myself, and I know how excited she gets, and I can only imagine from the dog’s point of view how nice it is.”
Shelter dog Christie enjoying her walk through the Devon Valley vineyard at the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) Brak Trap, hosted on 26 October. PHOTO: Kobus Erasmus
The Brak Trap allows members of the local community to spend time with dogs that might otherwise not receive ample time socialising and interacting with people, says Anja Pieterse, a community member and Brak Trap attendee.
“[The event] teaches us what we can do to help local welfare organisations, and to really make these little puppies’ day,” she said.
Over 72 people paid a small fee to participate in the most recent installment of the event, according to Pringle. In total, the event raised R8 060.
“[The event’s profit] goes towards the shelter, specifically the kennels,” she says. “They’re responsible for making sure that the dogs are seen to every day.”
Over 72 members of the public paid a small fee to walk shelter dogs at the Brak Trap, hosted by the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS)on 26 October. This is according to Carolyn Pringle, fundraising coordinator of the event. PHOTO: Kobus Erasmus
A love for the literary
Correen Lloyd has been volunteering at the AWSS charity shop, located on its premises, for the past three years. Here, she spends her Saturdays unpacking donations and alphabetising books that are donated to the shelter through the week.
“We have a wonderful selection of books, from bestsellers to collectibles to Afrikaans, and a lot of children’s books,” she said. “It’s lovely working here. We see so many people and, because I’m a fanatical reader, I love recommending [books to people]. And that is a privilege as far as I’m concerned.”
To keep the shelter’s charity shop as accessible as possible, prices are kept low, with no books costing more than R50, according to Lloyd.
All profit from the Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) charity shop go towards funding the shelter. This is according to Correen Lloyd, volunteer at the AWSS charity shop. PHOTO: Kobus Erasmus
Apart from having to lift heavy boxes filled with books, the biggest challenge faced by the AWSS’s charity shop is people not knowing about the shop’s existence, according to Lloyd.
“Because [the shelter is] up in Devon Valley, people don’t want to go to the trouble to come here,” she said.