Graafwater Sterilisation Campaign

This area was identified & approved by National Sterilization Project & Dancers Love Dogs who are funding the actual sterilisation component of the surgeries. Graafwater is a rural and previously disadvantaged town, 300km from Cape Town, between Clanwilliam and Lamberts Bay. The majority of the Graafwater community is a low to no income area with lots of socio-economic issues and other needs. They have no access to private veterinary care or any welfare clinics / mobiles. The condition of the animals is very poor and they were in desperate need of intervention.

African Tails stayed in the area during all phases of the campaign – sourcing phase 1 & 2 and sterilisation phase 1 & 2. Duties included the heading of the sterilisation signups, transporting of the animals back & fourth, education, aftercare once sterilised as well as any interventions where needed. LEAPS animal welfare joined us over part of the campaign assisting with the day-to-day tasks and assisted with possible post op complications or medical needs once we left the area and concluded the campaign.  

Phase 1 was completed in March 2024 over a 4-day period where 230 animals were sterilised. Phase 2 was completed in November 2024 where a further 200 animals were sterilised. Each animal sterilised also received vaccinations and tick & flea treatment as well as an after-care pack which consisted of dry food, soft food, deworming, an educational leaflet and a toy where possible.

All the vaccines, deworming, tick & flea treatment, part of the food and all surcharges / extra medical treatments were covered by African Tails.

We are so grateful to all who donated towards this campaign and made it possible to reach the goal of sterilising over 70 percent of the breeding population in Graafwater. Not only will this curb the breeding tremendously, but it will ensure that all those animals sterilised stand a much higher chance of a healthier and happier life.