Animal welfare takes the lead at First for Women and Woodrock Animal Rescue event
First for Women and Woodrock Cat Café joined forces in Kyalami to educate pet owners on animal welfare, highlighting the urgent need for sterilisation and adoption to reduce the country's growing stray animal population.
Pawrents and pet lovers gathered at Woodrock Cat Café in Kyalami for a day dedicated to learning about animal welfare, hosted by First for Women in partnership with Woodrock Animal Rescue.
The event aimed to educate people on the importance of homing stray animals, how sterilisation can help reduce the growing number of stray animals, and the role animal adoption plays in giving rescued pets a second chance.
Read more: Woodrock appeals for donations
The day began with attendants enjoying special meow-ments, as they cuddled and took photos with the cats inside the café. Guests then moved outside to two puppy corners, where playful puppies entertained the attendants while others relaxed and soaked up in the sun.
During the event speeches were presented. A key issue highlighted was South Africa’s high number of stray animals, with speakers emphasising that widespread sterilisation remains one of the most effective long-term solutions, which is also one of the key interventions being driven by Woodrock Animal Rescue.
The event also highlighted the special connection many women share with animals, reinforcing why the partnership between First for Women and Woodrock is a natural fit.
Also read: JJC raises funds for Woodrock Animal Rescue
In her speech, general manager of Woodrock Animal Rescue Jacqui Martheze explained how sterilisation helps prevent the cycle of stray animal overpopulation, particularly among younger animals.
She said animals can fall pregnant from as young as six months old, and giving birth to litters of up to eight puppies at a time creates a cycle that often leads to more animals ending up on the streets.
Martheze also shared how the partnership with First for Women has already made a significant impact on Woodrock’s work.
“Since our partnership with First for Women we have sterilised 1 740 animals. This has positively impacted our work. Now, having the café being renovated has created a lovely home for the cats, especially because they enjoy being indoors more than the puppies.”
To conclude the day, attendees participated in a puppy yoga session outside the café, combining wellness education and animal companionship in a memorable.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates
