The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch (AWSS) has raised alarm over the increasing number of animal surrenders, particularly dogs, in recent months.
This trend is driven by various factors, primarily the challenges faced by pet owners who have to downsize or relocate to housing complexes that do not allow pets.
For many pet owners, the decision to surrender their pets arises from limited accommodation options and affordability constraints.
This dilemma leaves them with few alternatives but to relinquish their pets to organisations like AWSS, which maintains an open-door admissions policy to provide care and shelter to surrendered animals.
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Since January alone, AWSS has taken in 96 surrendered dogs, while adoption rates have been declining.
This pattern is concerning and indicates the urgent need to promote pet adoptions, sterilisations and awareness initiatives.
Jessica Perrins, a spokesperson for AWSS, emphasised their commitment to finding loving forever homes for every rescue.
‘We need your help to keep our doors open. Please support our cause by adopting a pet from us or making a donation, whether in cash or kind, to assist us in offering sanctuary to every animal admitted into our care.’
To learn more about how you can make a difference, contact Jessica Perrins at 021 883 9129 or email [email protected].
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Picture: Supplied