Help Cast Aways with another cast away

Louisa Rossouw, founder of Cast Aways Animal Sanctuary, gives some helpful information on the dangers of breeding after they were called to help with yet another case of animal abandonment.

• Also read: Cast Aways on the brink of closure

Louisa explained they were contacted by the owners of a property in Elandsvlei, who found a Rottweiler in their yard after they returned from holiday. They had no idea how she got there; they fed her and gave her treatment, but couldn’t do more financially.

“We rushed over to approach the situation and immediately knew there was something seriously wrong with the dog when we got there.

She was extremely thin and very weak in her rear,” said Louisa.

They noticed she still looked like a puppy but later found she was, in fact, three years old. The dog was named Rottie. She is currently still at the vet and being treated for tick fever.

Louisa mentioned they get many instances, especially on social media, where people are looking for purebred dogs to breed with. She noted that this can have serious health effects on the animals, including genetic defects and a shortened lifespan. It also adds to the overpopulation of animals, of which many are left abandoned.

Cast Aways Animal Sanctuary was not prepared for this rescue, and we are in dire need of help with our vet bill for Rottie,” added Louisa.

Any person who would like to donate can contact Louisa on 072 812 3333.