Promoting SAFE pet ownership key to reducing strays and spread of diseases

Ballito locals were introduced to new animal welfare organisation, SAFE, in the best possible way – with a playpen of puppies of course!

In a meet-and-play at Concha on Saturday morning, residents met with dogs from Saving Animals Through Fostering and Education (SAFE), with many fosters and adoptions arising as a result.

SAFE was founded earlier this year by Ballito resident Milan Comley in the wake of the floods that left both people and rescue organisations struggling after an already difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Unfortunately, because of lockdown and the difficulties of fundraising, many organisations were unable to do their sterilisation and neutering campaigns. The stray populations increased dramatically in that time,” said Comley.

Diseases such as rabies and parvo have also been on the uptake, meaning every new pair of hands can make a difference.

Comley has been joined by a team of like-minded pet lovers, Kerry Janke, Claire Augustyn and Chiara Benati, to address the problem as best they can and lend a helping hand wherever needed.

“I have a background with different rescue agencies and I have seen first hand that the problem has become too big to adopt away. So we are trying to promote different solutions, although of course we would still love people to open their homes for adoptions or fostering,” said Janke.

This means campaigns in different communities across the KwaZulu-Natal coast and inland as far as Mariannhill, where mass sterilisations and vaccinations are undertaken.

The team aims to systematically move through one community at a time, to ensure that the entire stray population has been dealt with, otherwise the problem quickly resurfaces.

A need for adoption and fostering still remains and SAFE hopes to increase their network of volunteers to help where necessary.

“The best thing for animals who have been traumatised is for them to be taken into a home where they can regain trust,” said Comley.

Aside from direct interventions, SAFE is also trying to promote education relating to better pet ownership practices.

“For these impacts to be sustainable, we have to get the buy-in of people who will implement them in their own lives. Similarly, we hope to work with the organisations that are already in place to develop a wider network where deeper and longer lasting results can be achieved,” said Comley.

SAFE is always on the lookout for volunteers and they are also able to sign off on community service hours.

To find out more about how you can help with your time, or financially, call 069 294 7772 or email info@safenetwork.org.za.

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