11 May HELP US TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED Posted at 07:41h in Dave's Corner, Latest News by editor Killarney has partnered with LEAPS (Lamberts and Elands Animal Protection Services) to raise awareness, funds and donations of dog and cat food, to help animals in need in the areas of Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay and Vredenburg on the West Coast, home to some of the most disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape. LEAPS (established in 2008) is a registered, non-profit animal welfare organisation. Their three-pronged mission is to educate, assist and rescue when necessary. They educate township pet owners to better care for their pets and assist with the medical needs of the township animals, as well as medical assistance, particularly with regard to mass sterilisations, vaccinations, feeding programmes and providing shelter to hundreds of animals. They also provide pet food on an ongoing basis to those who cannot afford to feed their pets. Through keeping animals healthy, the humans living in these areas are less likely to suffer from animal related illnesses such as worms and mange.But often LEAPS has to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home unwanted or homeless animals. As a foster-based organisation, they have no shelter and have to rely on volunteers to care for unwanted animals while they find a suitable home for them, as well as ensuring the animal has received any vet care they may need, including vaccinations and sterilisation, and screening potential new homes. The service has three full-time employees, two of whom are based in the townships, and a number of volunteers, most of whom are based in Cape Town and have full-time jobs. When we asked them what they need, they took a deep breath and said “Food!” – any non-perishable pet foods, as well as pet-related accessories such as collars, leads, feeding bowls, toys, beds, blankets, towels and, especially, pet carriers. And of course, money. LEAPS is entirely dependent on volunteers and donations as they receive no funding from the local Municipality or Government. Their veterinary bills average R40 000 per month, and the LEAPS volunteers have to use their own airtime and vehicles, travelling long distances between the townships and the nearest vets – because the service cannot afford a dedicated vehicle such as a bakkie with a canopy. They also welcome donations of goods that can be used as prizes in their fund-raising effort, as well as donations of services such as printing, graphic design, website design and maintenance – and, quite simply, spreading the word – every click, every share on social media serves to raise awareness of just how much help is needed. The township of Louwville, just outside Vredenburg, has a population of about 8000 people, with each houshold owning an average of three unsterilised dogs, living in atrocious conditions and in dire need of assistance. LEAPS’ goal is to sterilise as many of these animals as possible to curb the birth of thousands of unwanted animals, as well as educating township pet owners so that animals living in these conditions are treated with more love and dignity – but it’s a huge task. The LEAPS team will be present at the Street-Car Track Day on Saturday 15 May and the Motorcycle Track School on Saturday 12 June, to raise your awareness of the work they do, without any funding other than the kindness of strangers, and to receive your donations of cash, pet food for cats and dogs, blankets and pet accessories. We will also have drop-off boxes at the Main Gate during the Power Series event on Saturday 5 June, for donations in kind. You don’t even have to be on the entry list for the event – just tell the security staff why you are there and they will guide you to the drop-off point. Please note that all donations are tax deductible and LEAPS will gladly issue donors with Section 18(A) certificates as proof of your donation, on request.