A pawsome second chance with Humans Helping Animals
The organisation helps and rescues neglected, abandoned and abused pets.
Armed with leashes and big hearts, a mom and daughter team regularly trek into Driefontein township, Esenembe, driven by one goal – Humans Helping Animals (HHA).
About two years ago Kayla-Leigh Jacobs and her mom Jeannie Pedersen, together with a handful of volunteers, started the organisation that helps and rescues neglected, abandoned and abused pets.
“We are just a small group of ordinary people trying to make a difference in animal welfare starting in our backyard – Driefontein. We know we cannot save all the animals, but we are hoping to create a chain reaction through our work.” said Pederson, who lives on a farm in Esenembe.
Also read: Meet the SAPS Umhlali K9 Unit’s new alpha dog
“Our main focus is to educate pet owners on how to look after their pets. Through education we hope to instill pride in the pet owners when they see how much healthier and happier their pets become with the right food, medical care and love.”
Pederson said they focus on the following steps in their programme:
1. Sterilise
In the past two years, HHA have already sterilised about 100 dogs in Driefontein.
“Sterilising is our biggest task and we urge all pet owners to not let their dogs have puppies. Through sterilising you immediately stop all the potential cruelty and suffering that those countless puppies would probably have gone through.”
She said they have a special township spay discounted cost of R500 at The Ballito Vet.
2. Vaccinate
Pederson said they are highly concerned about the regular outbreaks of rabies and therefore believe it crucial for all dogs to have their annual vaccinations.
“All you need is one dog with rabies to create a major problem. All dogs have to be vaccinated and we get a special rate of R250.”
3. Tweak the food
“We understand that buying dog food is a luxury and not an affordable option in townships. Most dogs are fed pap, so we suggest adding your left over vegetable peels to the water and a spoonful of sunflower oil. This will just add some nutritional value at no extra cost and the oil is good for the dog’s skin and coat. We also provide some dog pellets to the pet owners and suggest they give the dogs a handful of pellets a day.”
4. It’s OK to surrender
About 50 rescued dogs live in camps on Pederson’s farm while she is looking for new, forever homes for them. The dogs are of all ages and sizes and were all surrendered to her.
“We have built up trust in the Driefontein community and have had people reach out to us to surrender their dogs.
“If you cannot or do not know how to look after your pet, ask for help. We take in surrendered or abandoned dogs, rehabilitate and responsibly rehome them.”
If you would like to assist with the ongoing sterilisation or vaccination costs, you can donate funds straight into the HHA account at The Ballito Vet or you could volunteer to walk or play with the dogs on the farm by sending a WhatsApp to 062 025 9263.
Be the first to receive breaking news straight to your device with our newly launched push notifications! Simply visit our website and click on the icon shown above.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.
Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
