The Linmeyer Community Animal Rescue Association (LCARA), a small but dedicated group run entirely by volunteers, has begun an urgent sterilisation and vaccination drive in Johannesburg south. Their focus is on underprivileged households and the many dogs and cats living at the Yellow Mountain and East Street dumps.

Help is needed to stop a vicious circle

The team said the situation is critical. Close to 100 dogs and several cats still need to be sterilised before more puppies and kittens are born into the harsh conditions of the dumpsites.

“This is a huge task and will need the support of a whole village,” said one LCARA volunteer.

“These animals do not choose this life. We have to help them.”

So far, LCARA has raised R20 000, but still needs another R45 000 to complete the work. Each animal receives a full package of care, which includes sterilisation and vaccination.

Residents and businesses are urged to dig deep into their hearts and pockets.

“Let’s make their lives a little easier,” said Ursula Hope from LCARA.

The volunteers are also appealing for help with transport. A trailer is urgently needed to move animals in larger numbers for sterilisation, vaccination and rescue operations. Without it, progress is slow and physically demanding.

Rise in cruelty and neglect

According to volunteer Nicole Loggenberg, there has been a disturbing trend of animal cruelty and neglect in the south over the past few months. This has shown itself in the form of discarded sheep and dog skins, and carcasses in residential areas and parks.

“These are not just random skins, but dozens of black refuse bags dumped in parks in the early hours of the morning,” said Loggenberg.

“What is even more shocking is that dogs are discarded along with trash next to the dump yard. Boxes of puppies are regularly abandoned among heaps of rubbish.”

A disturbing incident occurred recently. According to dump-yard workers, a man in a bakkie came and offloaded furniture and a six-month-old pit bull puppy he did not want anymore.

“Such actions are not only shameful but also reflect collective values as a society,” added Loggenberg.

Loggenberg, Louise Caldeira, Di Hangley and Christina Battista de Oliveira are at the heart of this initiative and have been working tirelessly.

“The word ‘rescue organisation’ sounds like a ‘big’ company, but in reality, it’s a few good women and men in the community who choose to assist out of the kindness of their hearts, with late-night rescues to 24-hour emergencies and huge vet bills and very little community support. The vet bills, currently over R40 000, are paid off by these ladies who, between full-time jobs and running households, still make it work, even though donations of food and funds aren’t rolling in,” said Loggenberg.

Dr Carren Rademeyer, who has assisted with the sterilisation drive, said the need is immediate.

“Every day counts. The sooner we get these animals sterilised, the fewer will be born into suffering.”

How to support the sterilisation drive:

For donations:

Dr Carren Steri Drive, Standard Bank, account 202 422 119, and the banch is The Glen. Ref:erece LCARA DUMP DOGS.

Proof of payment to 082 559 8036

For donors requiring a Section 18A certificate:

LCARA

FNB

Cheque account: 6289 002 8981

Branch: 250 655

Ref: DUMP DOGS

POP: 082 559 8036

The volunteers say that with enough support, they can give these animals the chance of a safer, healthier life.

As one LCARA member put it, “They cannot speak for themselves, but we can speak for them and we can act.”