A successful two-day animal sterilisation drive was hosted on January 28 and 29 at Medley House in Anzac, providing much-needed veterinary care to pets from lower-income households.

The campaign was hosted by SPOT (Sunny’s Pet Outreach Team), with the veterinary team from Woodrock Animal Rescue playing a central role in performing the procedures.

The initiative was made possible through the generous sponsorship of From Tassie With Love, the main benefactor of the drive.

Over the course of the two days, 80 dogs and cats were successfully sterilised, helping to reduce unwanted litters, promote long-term animal welfare within the community and emphasise the significant health benefits for both females and males.

According to Sanette Bosman, director of SPOT, the success of the campaign was the result of extensive planning and strong teamwork.

“This campaign required weeks of coordination, careful planning and a great deal of dedication from everyone involved. It was a true team effort, and the results made every early morning and long day worth it,” she said.

Bosman explained that these drives are only arranged once or twice a year.

“Events of this scale are only possible once or twice a year due to the intense planning involved and the limited availability of reliable and responsible veterinary teams,” she said.

“We are incredibly grateful to Woodrock Animal Rescue, From Tassie With Love, Medley House, our volunteers and every supporter who helped make this a smooth and successful operation.”

The sterilisation drive specifically targeted lower-income families who would otherwise not be able to afford private veterinary fees under any circumstances, ensuring that financial constraints did not prevent responsible pet care.

SPOT also used the opportunity to reinforce the importance of responsible pet ownership.

“We urge pet owners to plan financially before adding an animal to their household. Choose a veterinarian, open an account and contribute monthly within your budget, even if it’s just R50.

“Over time, this creates a fund to cover vaccinations, sterilisation and veterinary treatment when it’s needed most.”

This responsibility should be applied before committing to a pet, but it is never too late to start.

“We just want to reiterate that whatever is perceived as being free or affordable is in fact paid for, sponsored or subsidised by someone else,” said Bosman.

“Your animal’s welfare and well-being remain your responsibility and planning ahead is part of being a responsible owner”.

SPOT continues to advocate for education, prevention and community-based solutions to improve animal welfare, with sterilisation remaining one of the most effective tools in addressing overpopulation humanely.

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