Fieldwork Insights: A 3-Hour Snapshot

Article:
Fieldwork Insights: A 3-Hour Snapshot

Fieldwork often reveals the harsh realities faced by animals in need. Over the holidays, we sadly lost a few older dogs, either due to euthanasia or natural passing.

Here’s a glimpse into just one three-hour shift:

💔 Loss and Farewells

• We supported an owner saying goodbye to her elderly, suffering dog—a heartbreaking but necessary farewell.
• Tragically, a female dog lost her life in an attack by two male dogs in her yard.

🐾 Searching for the Sick

• Problem: Local children reported a sick dog roaming the streets, but we have yet to locate it.
  Solution: Continued efforts to search the area, engaging with the community for tips.

✂️ Sterilisation Challenges
We work hard to educate pet owners on the importance of sterilisation and responsible pet care, but it’s not without challenges:

• Problem: One household had agreed to sterilise two female Pitbulls but changed their minds, risking up to 20 puppies. All of a previous litter tragically died of Parvo.
  Solution: Highlight the health and financial benefits of sterilisation while sharing the tragic outcomes of overbreeding.
• A dog in heat—and possibly pregnant—prompted the owner to request immediate sterilisation.
• Problem: Two households refused sterilisation, believing it would make their dogs aggressive.
  Solution: Educate with facts: sterilisation reduces aggression in many cases and benefits overall health.
• Success: One household took our advice and agreed to sterilise their dog!

🐱 Breeding Concerns

• Problem: A household surrendered two adult female cats (one with six kittens), unable to manage them.
  Solution: The adults will be sterilised, and the kittens will be rehomed.
• Problem: A female dog with ten puppies is being rehomed by the owner, leaving them vulnerable to future breeding cycles.
  Solution: The owner agreed to sterilise the mother after we emphasised the risks.

🚨 Addressing Neglect

• Problem: A dog suspected of having a stroke was left untreated.
  Solution: We contacted the SPCA to provide urgent care and ensured the owner agreed to sterilise another dog in their care.
• We followed a man with a breeding female through the streets, advocating for sterilisation to prevent more unwanted puppies.

🏠 Small Victories

• A dog in need received a kennel from the owner of another dog that had passed away—a small but meaningful comfort.

📉 Reduced Support from Authorities

• Problem: The departure of an SPCA inspector leaves fewer resources to manage issues beyond our scope.
  Solution: Strengthen community partnerships and advocate for increased support from animal welfare organisations.

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Our Commitment to Education
We strive to educate pet owners on all aspects of animal care, emphasising the critical importance of sterilisation. By addressing the root causes of overpopulation and neglect, we aim to reduce suffering and create lasting change.

Thank you for supporting our work—together, we can make a real difference for these animals!