Tails wagged and hearts melted as four-legged friends paraded for a cause at the Easter Pet Pawrade, supporting animal rescue on the North Coast on Good Friday.

As part of the Ballito Farmers Market’s long weekend celebrations, Animally Haven Sanctuary invited people to bring their pets dressed in their Easter best to walk the runway.

Gianna Scoulelis, who founded Animally Haven Sanctuary in 2012, has been involved in animal rescue her entire life. Her non-profit company saves abused and stray animals but also helps educate rural communities on animal welfare.

“We attempt to rehome animals that come to us for care,” she said.

“We take in a lot of animals from townships that need to be sterilised, cleaned, fed and rehoused. A lot of our animals are neglected, abused, chained up and starved.”

The Glendale sanctuary currently has 123 dogs and 60 cats. About 80 dogs are up for adoption, including 20 puppies.

Animally Haven volunteer and event emcee, Jaime Harvey, shares Gianna’s love of animals. She noted the organisation’s community outreach programmes, while incorporating food drives with various sponsors and donors to find rescues new homes.

“Our new initiative will be to go to government schools to teach kids about how pets should be treated. We are trying to create a vibe of community love for domestic animals,” said Harvey.

Ballito Farmers Market manager, Annie du Plessis, hopes to host more ‘pet pawrades’ in the coming months and to get people aware of local animal rescue organisations.

“They are an incredible rescue centre that take in dogs – and cats – on the North Coast. The shelter looks to give them a second chance and find them loving homes.”

For more information, contact Gianna at 083 799 9449.

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