Bikers stand up against animal cruelty

THE warm weather on Sunday gave way for Hell Razors East Rand bikers to embark on their charity ride in aid of the Animal Anti-Cruelty League.

The charity ride is the brainchild of club member Jonathon Knight.

“Every month a member gets a chance to organise a breakfast run to a different place where we have a meal and return to the club house,” said Knight.

“I told everyone at the club that for my breakfast run this year, I want to donate pet food and raise funds for the Animal Anti-Cruelty League.

“I got the club’s permission and they supported it from the beginning.”

Knight explained to EXPRESS that his idea was inspired by the number of animals in distress during the festive season.

“The kennels at the league get flooded, especially during December, because people go on holiday and leave their animals at home,” said Knight.

“People let off fire crackers which scare the animals and they run away, which is why I thought of this initiative to help the league take care of animals in distress over the festive season.

“I also believe people at the league do a thankless job – I don’t think many realise what they go through. It takes a special breed of person to devote their whole life to looking after animals and they do a phenomenal job there.”

The bikers who were joined by community members, departed from their clubhouse on Dann Road, in Glen Marais, to the league in Johannesburg.

“The response from the community was great as we received donations and others also joined the ride,” said Knight.

“Everything went well and we had a great time. What was also special was when I saw some of our club members adopting animals.”

The success and support of the event has encouraged us to make this initiative an annual event. “I want to go bigger when organising it next year and possibly get companies involved as well.”

Dog and cat food, toys and blankets are among the items that were donated.