Mdzananda Animal Clinic - This is what we believe

Historically and still today, animal welfare in townships has been organised mainly by white women. Many communities have bad experiences these agencies, as they come into their areas, take away sick, injured, mangy or thin dogs. People’s pets are often taken under force or promises to return the animal once it has been treated by a vet – but they often do not return the pet. This approach often perpetuates distrust and racial divide and does not work in service to building relationships of trust and empowerment among communities.
 
Our approach at Mdzananda Animal Clinic has been to observe the community and try to understand where they are coming from, rather than impose our ideology onto them. Then provide basic affordable and accessible primary health care treatment to people for their pets. We do not believe in forcing the issue sterilisation, but through education and trust demonstrate how one can uplift the health and welfare of the animal. Once the community see the results and realises that one’s objectives are honest, they will be receptive to what one has to offer. It is a process of providing step by step development and empowerment in a pace and manner that the community can relate to. In this way the pet owner takes pride and responsibility for their pets as they would do for their children.

Marcelle van Zyl
Fundraising and Communications Manager
Mdzananda Animal Clinic Khayelitsha
E-mail: marcelle@mdzananda.co.za [2]

For more about the Mdzananda Animal Clinic, refer to www.mdzananda.co.za [3].