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HALO makes strides in 2024, sets ambitious goals for 2025

HALO celebrated a milestone year in 2024 and now strives for a rabies-free community and improved animal welfare in 2025.

LIMPOPO – Last year, Hoedspruit AnimaL Outreach (HALO) sterilised more than 175 dogs, presented hundreds of collars and leashes to owners and built more than 50 runners for dogs that were chained.

HALO said on their Facebook page that they have big dreams for 2025, aspiring not only to eliminate rabies in the communities around Hoedspruit and beyond, but also uplift the lives of dogs through their sterilisation programme, and provide emergency help and education on animal kindness.

They thanked their volunteers and donors for helping them face the challenges in 2024.

“It was our second year of no rabies cases, our first year of no distemper cases and a definite decrease in transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) cases, though December showed a sudden influx we hope to have stopped it at the core,” they stated.

TVT is a cancerous tumor that affects dogs and is spread through physical contact, usually during mating.

They said that they had less dogs with tick bite fever due to their monthly visits ensuring external parasites are better controlled and better awareness of owners on rabies, parvo and other signs of sickness.

“But we cannot sit back and relax. The need for our work is ever present and 2025 is a year we want to push forward with more sterilisations, more vaccinations, more education and less suffering of animals.”

They urged the Hoedspruit community to assist, not only in donating, but also join them in their outreaches, foster puppies that need temporary homes or adopt a surrendered dog.

They said they depend on residents to help with fundraising, such as a donation towards HALO on birthdays.

They also are always in need of old blankets and towels, leads and collars, dog bowls or food and hope to grow their social media audience and earn money via social media.

“Local businesses, we need your support. You can also help by setting up a donation box, bring your team to one of our outreaches as a team building event or lodges bring your guests to one of our outreaches to see the “real life” in the community,” they said.

To get involved, call 065 508 6534 or email hoedspruit.halo@gmail.com

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Tanaiya Lees

Tanaiya Lees is the Digital Coordinator for the Polokwane Review-Observer. She holds a Diploma in Journalism and is passionate about sharing authentic stories and making a positive impact through those stories. Although her journey in journalism was unexpected, she found herself drawn to it from the very beginning. Despite an initial career in Digital Marketing and Communications, she has recently reignited her passion for journalism and is excited to be back in the field she loves. With an interest in storytelling and a strong commitment to accuracy, her goal is to produce high-quality content that truly connects with readers. She aims to amplify the voices of those who need it most, shine a light on important issues, and inspire meaningful conversations. Tanaiya firmly believes in the power of journalism to effect change and is dedicated to being a part of that.

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