Oudtshoorn, 16 July 2024 – The Oudtshoorn Municipality started a new initiative aimed at finding loving homes for the animals at the local animal pound. Starting immediately, dogs and cats can be adopted free of charge. This initiative is part of our ongoing animal welfare and community service commitment.
While the adoption itself is free, please note that the following fees must be covered by the individual adopting the pet:
- Sterilisation Fee
- Vaccination Fee
- Deworming Fee
- Health Check Fee
It is important to note that as part of the adoption process, a home and erf inspection will be conducted by one of the municipal officials from the animal pound. This inspection is essential to ensure that the environment where the animal will be living is safe and suitable. The adoption application must pass this inspection to be approved. If the inspection is unsuccessful, the applicant will not qualify to adopt an animal. This measure is in place to ensure the well-being and safety of the pets being adopted. Additionally, the screening process will continue as well as sterilisation as required by the bylaws for any animals taken in by the pound.
The decision to offer free adoptions was made to:
- Removing the adoption fee barrier encourages more people to adopt pets, ensuring more animals find loving homes.
- By covering essential costs like sterilisation and vaccinations, we ensure that pets are healthy and cared for, which contributes to responsible pet ownership.
- This initiative aligns with the municipality’s commitment to the welfare of all animals in our care.
Additionally, the municipality will soon start a public participation process with volunteer support, which is crucial to build a stronger community bond and shared responsibility for animal welfare. The public participation process will involve community meetings and forums where residents can voice their opinions, contribute ideas, and participate in decision-making regarding the animal pound’s future operations. This collaborative approach ensures transparency and inclusivity, making the community feel more connected and invested in the well-being of the animals.
VISITATION TIMES:
Potential adopters and volunteers are welcome to visit the animal pound during the following hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:00 until 13:00 & 12:00 until 15:00
- Friday: 11:00 until 12:00
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
It is important to understand the distinction between an animal pound and an animal shelter. An animal pound is typically a municipal facility where stray, lost, or abandoned animals are held temporarily. These facilities are often operated by local municipalities and are focused on animal control and public safety. Animals at a pound are held for a certain period, after which they may be made available for adoption, transferred to other shelters, or, in unfortunate cases, euthanized if no home is found.
On the other hand, an animal shelter is usually run by private, non-profit organizations dedicated to the care and rehoming of animals. Shelters often provide a more extensive range of services, including rehabilitation, veterinary care, and longer-term housing. The primary focus of shelters is on animal welfare and finding permanent homes for animals.
FUTURE OPERATIONS AT THE POUND
The municipality has already acquired the land, situated directly opposite the current pound. Contracts and administrative arrangements have been finalized, including a 20-year rental agreement at a nominal fee with the landowner. The primary challenge currently faced is securing funding for the project.
The plan involves utilizing the current facility for intake and screening of all animals, while dogs and cats will be relocated to the new adoption section where public access will be permitted.