BARC Animal Welfare November 2021 Newsletter

Dear BARC friends

The year has flown by with BARC quietly going about its business looking after stray and neglected animals as well as animals whose circumstances changed so that their owners had to sadly give them up for adoption.

It never ceases to gladden our hearts that there are so many caring people out there visiting the kennels, taking the dogs for walks, donating pet food and generally concerned about the wellbeing of these animals. We do not forget BARC staff members who sacrifice their whole life to the well-being of the animals, and for that we cannot thank them enough.

This newsletter has information about the BARC Golf Day which is our much-anticipated fundraising event; Law Enforcement and BARC; as well as adoption news and other titbits.

Since this is the last newsletter of the year, we would like to wish you a blessed holy season with your loved ones and your pets. May you all prosper in the coming year, and may we together create a better world for our furry friends.

STERILIZATION OF ANIMALS AT BARC

PUPPIES GALORE!

It may seem that what is uppermost in our minds when we talk about BARC is money. But we do need to share this bit of information about sterilization which will hopefully catch your attention and create some understanding of our never-ending work.

At one stage during the last few months, there were 48 puppies at BARC simultaneously!! Now if you multiply that by R600 for each puppy sterilization, you will understand how our vet account can rocket out of control. This information also stresses why it is so important to sterilize the animals ... to stop all the unnecessary breeding and homeless puppies.

THE STERILIZATION PROJECT

Sterilization is an important method to assist in the unnecessary breeding of dogs and cats. BARC applied to ‘The sterilization of Pets Trust ‘ in the Overberg. This Trust assists the smaller towns by sponsoring a certain amount of sterilizations, these are aimed at pet owners who cannot afford this operation.

In this manner, BARC could sterilize 40 animals in October and another 30 will be done to the end of February 2022, then BARC may apply to the trust once again.

This is however not a free for all, strict selection is applied where the owner amongst others has to provide proof of income. Since sterilization is an ongoing project the main objective of the BARC Golf Day (see next page) is to raise money for more sterilizations for animals housed at our kennels.

BARC GOLF DAY

Please support this golf day by telling your golf friends about it or you could sponsor a hole for R1000; or donate prizes. Contact person Elsabe at 0829227063. All the proceeds for the day go towards the sterilization of BARC animals.

4 December 2021

Funding in aid od Gansbaai animal sterilization

Venue: Gansbaai Golf Club

Two ball American scramble

Fee: R180

A prize for every player.

HOLIDAY KENNEL BOARDING

Do remember that you can board your pets at BARC at very reasonable rates. You may find yourself booked into holiday accommodation where pets are not allowed. However, BARC could then look after them and you could still fetch them daily for exercise and companionship. You may supply your own dog food, should your dog need a special diet. Do phone Hannelie at 0837423903 to get all the information.

MYSCHOOL CARD with Woolworths Benefits

Here is a very worthy cause that will not cost you a cent. When you shop at Woolworths country-wide, it may just be one day a month, do fill in the form and link it to your Woolworths card. Collectively every cent counts.

You will be asked to name a charity of your choice, which in this case will be BARC. Every time you shop at Woollies and present your MySchool card, a percentage of your purchase will go to BARC. It does not matter where you live in the country or at which Woollies branch you shop. You can collect the form at any Woolworths branch or download it from the internet. Link your Woolies and MYSchoolcard: at https//www.myschool.co.za/portal/login.

The benefits of a linked card include savings on Woolworth's favourites every day; extra savings, promos and events; exclusive vouchers for you. You give back to BARC when you link you cards, and you become a Woolworths VIP.

MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet partners are Engen; Loot.co.za; Builders: Worksheetcloud; Netstar; Power24.co.za; WRewards; HI-Q Hermanus; Supa Quick Hermanus; Woolworths Station Square Hermanus; Woolworths Whale Coast Mall.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BARC

Law enforcement plays a vital role in any town but many people may not be aware that it also serves an important function in BARC’s daily activities. Some background will place this in context.

All animal owners are bound by a BYLAW, this BYLAW stipulates conditions of owning and looking after your dogs and cats. The complete BYLAW may be downloaded from the internet.

An authorised official from Law Enforcement may for example impound or take a dog or cat into custody if stipulations under this BYLAW are not adhered to. Here are some examples of when pets could be taken into custody:

 • Animals at large and apparently without an owner
 • Animals suffering from infectious diseases
 • Dogs that are wild, dangerous and fierce so that they pose a danger to the safety of people and other pets
 • Dogs that bark, whimper or howl to the extent that they cause an unreasonable disturbance to neighbours
 • Dogs in public spaces that run loose (not on a leash), and not under the control of an owner
 • Dogs that tear and destroy refuse bags
 • Mistreated, malnourished or neglected animals
 • Stray cats with kittens (found for example in a ditch) 

There are more stipulations, for example the restriction on the number of dogs and cats kept on a property, the sterilization of animals and of course the case against dog fights, the latter is a topic for another time.

You may not be aware that there are certain procedures to follow if you find animals in the above mentioned state. This is what you should do...

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU NEED TO REPORT THE CASE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND NOT TO BARC. When you phone Law Enforcement make sure you take down the name of the person you speak to for future reference. If law enforcement cannot give the matter immediate attention themselves, they will phone BARC to attend to it. Law Enforcement has an official agreement with BARC as they have no kennels to house the animals. BARC will then accommodate the dog or cat and care for them.

It is important to note that only Law Enforcement has the authority to enter a property where animals are kept. So the right procedure is to phone Law Enforcement.

PLEASE DO LET US WORK TOGETHER ON THIS ISSUE, LET US HELP BARC AND FOLLOW THE RIGHT PROCEDURES.

Dogs and cats looking for and finding loving homes

It costs R400 to adopt a cat/kitten and R500 to adopt a dog/puppy. This fee is very reasonable when one considers that it includes vaccination, sterilization and deworming. Extra costs absorbed by BARC are extra vet visits as well as home inspection visits amongst others. These images represent some of the cats and dogs available for adoption. There are currently 14 adorable dogs, 14 cats, 30 cute kittens and 10 beautiful puppies available for adoption. These images represent a few of the adoptions and the available pets. Do visit BARC if you are considering adoption, you will not be disappointed.

Read the full newsletter here.

For more information, contact BARC Animal Welfare.