INYATSI SWAZI FRONTIER BENEFITS CATS AND DOGS

MBABANE – The Inyatsi Swazi Frontier mountain bike stage race successfully benefited about 150 cats and dogs.

This was during the second annual Animal Clinic held on Saturday along the race route in the Northern Hhohho. The clinic was attended by over 125 proud pet owners, 111 dogs and 14 cats at Sokhula Pre-School care point, Nginamadvolo, near Pigg’s Peak.

Lesley Foss of Inyatsi Swazi Frontier said the care point was now a focal point for the community along the race route and it is great that it can be used by them in a variety of ways, including for their animal clinic.

Inyatsi Swazi Frontier mountain bike stage race constructed the care point building a couple of years ago with proceeds generated from its race. 

Medications

Foss said the cost of all the drugs and other medication used on the day were sponsored by Inyatsi Swazi Frontier mountain bike race. The community members were invited to bring along their cats and dogs for treatment, free of charge. 

“It was a bright, warm winter’s day and pet owners queued patiently, waiting for their cats and dogs to be attended to.  Trees and gazebos gave shaded protection from the sun.  Many bowls containing fresh drinking water were dotted around the place for the thirsty dogs and puppies to enjoy while waiting for their turn.

There were many well behaved dogs on leads as well as puppies.  There were also two litters of brand-new puppies that came along with their mother.  Cats and kittens were also popular.  Most of the pets were in good condition although there were a couple of cases where it was evident that they were not getting enough food, especially feeding mothers with young litters,” she said.

Foss said they collaborated with government vets, Dr Thembi Ndlangamandla and Dr Bavulike Kunene, who gave all the animals a general health check.  Foss said the came across a number of cases needing extra treatment and felt that the day was very worthwhile.

Students from Waterford KaMhlaba assisted with the vaccinations against the deadly rabies disease as well as 3-in 1 vaccination for cats and 5-in-1 vaccinations for dogs.  These vaccinations are required every year to keep both pets and their owners protected.

Swaziland Animal Welfare Society dispensed the dewormers and sprayed all cats and dogs against ticks and fleas.
Volunteers from Inyatsi Construction assisted with registering the animals.

“We were also fortunate that a number of private individuals donated dog food and bowls so we were able to send all animals home with some food and most with a bowl,” she concluded.

SAWS is a self-funded non-profit organisation relying solely on donations and its own fund-raising initiatives.  It is dedicated to promoting animal welfare in Eswatini. It has branches in Mbabane and Manzini where donations can be dropped.  Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens looking for homes can be adopted from SAWS – Telephone: 2404 3446/2505 6231.

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