SINCE its founding in 2016, Lost Souls Animal Rescue KZN has rescued and rehomed thousands of abandoned, abused and neglected animals across Durban, offering them medical care, rehabilitation and a chance to find loving forever homes.

The non-profit organisation, led by founder Tracy Smit (55) from the Upper Highway area, has become a lifeline for vulnerable dogs, cats and kittens, while also promoting responsible pet ownership and sterilisation to reduce animal neglect and overpopulation.

One of the organisation’s most recent success stories is Brody, a dog found wandering the streets in a severely neglected condition. He was discovered by a concerned resident suffering from extensive hair loss, severe mange and tick bite fever.

“I received a call from a local resident who had seen him roaming around our neighbourhood,” Smit recalled. “No one knew who he belonged to. He was skinny, covered in severe mange, and suffering from tick bite fever.”

Brody was taken into the care of Lost Souls Animal Rescue KZN, where he received veterinary treatment, nutritious food and ongoing care. After months of rehabilitation, he made a full recovery and has since been adopted into a loving forever home.

For Smit, stories like Brody’s are what drive the organisation’s mission despite the emotional challenges of animal rescue.

“We receive calls every single day about unwanted, abandoned or neglected animals,” she said. “It is incredibly heartbreaking because there are simply so many that need help.”

In addition to rescuing dogs, the organisation also cares for cats and kittens, ensuring every animal receives medical treatment, proper nutrition and emotional support before being placed in foster care or adopted.

Also read: Monkey Helpline’s Steve Smit dies

“We give them the best food and probiotics,” Smit explained. “Once they are healthy, whether they are puppies, dogs, cats or kittens, they go into foster care where they are socialised with other pets to prepare them for their forever families.”

Smit believes that education is just as important as rescue efforts in preventing animal cruelty and neglect.

“It is not just about rescuing animals,” she said. “Education is so important. People need to understand that animals should never be chained for their entire lives. They deserve love, care and companionship.”

She also stressed the importance of sterilisation to reduce the growing number of unwanted animals.

“We assist with sterilising dogs because sterilisation is key to preventing future suffering and the endless cycle of unwanted litters.”

Looking ahead, Smit hopes Lost Souls Animal Rescue KZN can expand beyond Durban to help even more communities and animals in need.

For every frightened, abandoned or neglected animal that arrives at the rescue, the organisation offers a fresh start. Through the dedication of Smit and her team, thousands of animals have been given not only a second chance at life, but the opportunity to experience kindness, safety and the love of a forever home.

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