TEARS Animal Rescue – precautionary call-to-action campaign launched to foster in times of need

TEARS Animal Rescue has launched a precautionary call-to-action campaign encouraging Capetonians to sign-up up as temporary emergency foster volunteers in the event of a natural disaster or socio-political unrest threatening the safety of the companion animals in its care.

The TEARS Kennel and Cattery is currently home to 99 dogs and puppies, and 93 cats and kittens ~ excluding the 32 dogs and puppies and 48 cats and kittens registered as part of its formal Foster Care Programme.

The TEARS Veterinary Hospital and Kennels are situated in Lekkerwater Road, Sunnydale, which shares a boundary wall with the informal settlement of Masiphumelele. On Tuesday, 8 August, protesters associated with the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) barricaded the entrance with burning tyres and rocks.

TEARS Operations Manager, Mandy Store comments, “Unfortunately, last week’s strike action made it impossible for TEARS staff, living there, to come to work safely, but it also posed a potential fire risk for the property. Therefore, to be proactive and as part of a crisis preparedness strategy, we have invited Capetonians to complete an Emergency Foster Questionnaire should they be willing to consider temporary fostering in times of need. Fostering requires some due diligence on our side, so we’d like to have a shortlist of vetted foster families ready should it ever be necessary for us to initiate an emergency evacuation of the TEARS Kennel and Cattery.”

In April 2020, within 48 hours of the State of Emergency Lockdown announcement, TEARS successfully evacuated 110 dogs and 130 cats to emergency foster homes. The call-to-action and evacuation initiative, which was referred to as “The Great Escape,” turned a potential disaster into a blessing as rescue pets were able to spend the lockdown in safe, comfortable, and loving homes ~ thanks to the hundreds of Capetonians who made it possible.

Become part of TEARS’ lifesaving foster network.

If you are based in Cape Town and have a heart for animals, please complete the online questionnaire. www.tears.org.za/emergency-evacuation-foster/