Thousands of dogs are living in impoverished communities across South Africa and their lives are often filled with misery, hunger and illness. These areas can be extremely dangerous, so when animal welfare organizations like Network for Animals (NFA) and their partner, Fallen Angels, regularly undertake rescue operations, they are often threatened and even shot at.
“We know it is dangerous, but we will never stop saving lives,” said NFA‘s chief campaigner, David Barritt.
Among the many animals that these two organizations have rescued include three dogs – Denzel, Vanessa and Chopin.
Denzel was attempting to escape nasty children who were throwing stones at him when he was found. He was starving and badly infected with canine scabies (mange).
Vanessa was rescued from an abusive home in a slum area. The owners had deliberately crushed her paw, and that of another dog so that they couldn’t run away.
Chopin was dumped at the side of the road and was in dire need of medical attention.
NFA is paying for the the three dogs’ medical care, and hope to find them good homes.
“Denzel, Vanessa and Chopin were all rescued on the same day and they are just three of the tens of thousands of dogs who need our help in South Africa. Thanks to donations from our supporters, we were able to save them,” said Barritt.
“There are now 350 dogs who live at the Fallen Angels shelter in the Western Cape of South Africa and we care for them all. As many as possible are rehomed.”
The NFA works around the world to improve the quality of life for animals living in impoverished communities. Due to the danger they encounter during rescue missions, they are unable to take good photographs of the conditions these dogs endure because their first priority is to get the animals to safety.
“The gangsters in these areas are not afraid to attack us. They carry weapons and fire randomly. We are extremely cautious when we are in their territory, because we don’t want any confrontations. We go there to rescue the dogs and then leave.”
You can find out more about Network for Animals and our efforts in South Africa by clicking here.
