ABOUT
Based in Hout Bay, Cape Town, DARG rehabilitates and re-homes lost, abandoned, abused, and neglected animals, and educates local disadvantaged communities and in particular their children.
Besides the 240 animals in the facility, DARG’s Community Program also helps dogs and cats in the surrounding lower income communities of Hangberg and Imizamo Yethu. Funding goes towards sterilisations, emergency veterinary care, basic pet care, and general veterinary treatments.
DARG does not receive any government assistance whatsoever and relies on the goodwill of members of the public and events to raise funds.
ON SITE PROJECTS
FUNDING REQUIRED
PROJECT 1: RENOVATING AND EXTENDING A BUILDING FOR A DARG COMMUNITY CLINIC
AIM OF PROJECT:
· To reduce DARG’s monthly Operating Costs relating to vet bills, medical supplies and sterilisations
· Quick, easy and immediate treatment of animals that are brought to DARG by the community, instead of having to take them to the Vet
· Increase in the number of animals that can be sterilised on a weekly basis
BUDGET REQUIRED: R400 000.00
PROJECT 2: COMMUNITY EDUCATION PROGRAM
AIM OF PROJECT:
· Extensive education of the local community, in particular their children, to reduce pet overpopulation, abuse and neglect
· On-site Workshops in DARG’s Education Centre and presentation at schools about the humane treatment of animals
BUDGET REQUIRED FOR 1 YEAR (INCLUDING COURSE MATERIAL AND HIRE OF AN EDUCATOR): R105 000.00
COMMUNITY PROJECTS
1. COMMUNITY SUPPORT
* On average, DARG attends to between 30 – 45 emergencies and sick animals weekly. We frequently have sick or injured cats and dogs brought to our gates.
* Also, DARG regularly gets calls to assist with animals in IY and Hangberg – be it a dog attack, a case of abuse, an animal being hit by a car or an animal that has a virus or medical condition.
* DARG’s vet bills for this service average R55 000 a month but has been as high as R120 000.
* DARG also provides kennels and food to owners when needed in low-income areas in Hout Bay.
2. SPONSOR-A-SNIP
* This FREE Pet Sterilisation program for the lower income communities of Hout Bay is aimed at reducing the amount of unwanted litters to alleviate cases of neglect, roadside pet selling, strays and abandonment.
* Sterilisations are anywhere from 35 – 45 per month at a cost of R350 each to DARG.
* This is done with the assistance of Animal Rescue Organisation, Penzance Vet and Hout Bay Vet. DARG is responsible for the animal from the time we pick it up to when it is returned to its owner. We are frequently required to keep the animal at our facility while it recovers.
3. HUMANE EDUCATION PROGRAM
* Our focus is also on encouraging young learners to gain awareness of the issues surrounding pet overpopulation and dog fighting in the Western Cape.
* Along with the assistance of teachers, we provide activities to teach the students about how to treat animals and their physical and emotional needs.
* The students are able to visit our Education Centre and interact with our dogs and cats in a safe and nurturing environment which fosters a loving and humane respect for sentient beings.
* Furthermore, we frequently provide talks at schools to inform young learners about rescued animals, the importance of sterilisation and caring for dogs and cats.
4. INTERACTION WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS
* THE UNDERDOG PROJECT: The Underdog Project is a life-skills and outreach organisation for at-risk teenagers and shelter dogs. From positive reinforcement dog training to practical life skills advice, their classes aim to engage, motivate and inspire teenagers to reorient their lives and find their feet in the real world. The organisation works from the DARG property and utilises the DARG dogs for their program. Further info: https://www.facebook.com/underdogproject
* STORY TAILS READING PROGRAM: This program is geared towards improving literacy in young children. Under the guidance of Educator Chloe De La Harpe, children from lower income communities are brought to DARG to read to the cats and dogs! Some DARG dogs have also been trained to visit the schools for these classes! Further info: https://www.facebook.com/storytailsreading
