East London-based charity organisation, Buckaroo, recently dipped more than 150 dogs during its summer sterilisation project as part of its efforts to stop the spread of ticks in dogs roaming the townships.
To date, Buckaroo has sterilised 4,900 dogs in the areas of Kwelegha, Cintsa East, Glen Eden, Jongilanga, Tuba, Ducats, Mdantsane, Parkside, Mpumelelo and Greenfields.
Buckaroo founder Marlene Neumann told the Go! dogs could get biliary, a severe tick-borne disease that could prove fatal.
“ We teach owners that they must dip their dogs,” said Neumann.
Buckaroo runs a summer sterilisation project during which its volunteers visit townships once a week and dip hundreds of dogs.
“If the ticks are too much we will give the dog Bravecto or Nexgard [medication]. But these are expensive,” she said.
Neumann started Buckaroo 12 years ago after she found a lost dog on the beach.
She took it to the SPCA and was shocked to see the facility in such a dilapidated state. This led to her idea to start Buckaroo.
She then built a relationship with GO! & Express and raised R1.2m in 18 months, which was used to revamp the kennels at the SPCA and make it wheelchair-friendly.
Neumann said ticks and fleas posed significant health threats to dogs, which ranged from intense skin irritation and discomfort to severe, potentially fatal diseases, allergies, and anaemia.
“These parasites can cause severe discomfort and long-term health issues if they are not addressed.
“The threat of biliary is very real. It just takes one tick.
“We encourage owners to get the dip and every seven days in summer to dip their dogs. Even in the cities, it is not just in the outlying areas.
“Birds can carry ticks. Dipping makes the dogs live longer and stay healthy,” she said.
She said three dogs in Jongilanga village needed urgent medical attention.
“Cindy is one of dogs with her two brothers. If she does not get sterilised she has the potentional of getting TVT [transmissible venereal tumor].
“It is a contagious, typically non-metastatic cancer that spreads among dogs, primarily through direct contact with affected tissue [mating, licking, or sniffing].
“It is often referred to as a ‘cauliflower-like’ mass, which is usually found on the external genitals of both male and female dogs.
“This is very real and will cause a very painful death,” said Neumann.
She said female dogs could have up to 15 puppies, with sterilisation being essential.
“It is an epidemic in the townships, especially with so many dogs running around without homes.”
She said sterilisation was considered the most humane and effective method for breaking the cycle of suffering among stray and unwanted dogs.
“It addresses the root cause of overpopulation and unchecked breeding, rather than just the symptoms.
“By preventing the birth of new litters, sterilisation reduces the number of animals destined for lives of starvation, disease and abuse.
“A single unsterilised female dog and her offspring can, in theory, produce thousands of puppies over just a few years, leading to a population that rapidly exceeds the community’s capacity to care for them.”
Neumann said the impact of sterilising one female dog could prevent about 67,000 births over seven years.
In addition to stopping the cycle of suffering, it alleviated the burden on shelters and reduced the number of dogs living on the streets.
She said Buckaroo’s volunteers were motivated to keep helping needy animals.
“The fact that we will make a difference to that one dog, that one Cindy.
“It is our duty as humans as guardians to mother nature that we are meant to look after these animals.”
Neumann said the public could help Buckaroo beyond financial assistance with donations of old kennels and food.
“Please get involved, support drop- off food, whatever you can. Donate. Things cost money.
“Please don’t leave the responsibility to a few.
“These animals belong to all of us.
“It is overwhelming for the communities … sterilisation costs a lot, owners can’t afford it.”
To be part of the volunteer group WhatsApp Neumann on 083-321-3391, or email neumann@worldonline.co.za to make a donation or for inquiries.
Donations can also be dropped off at 8 Kent Road, Vincent.
