TEARS Animal Rescue is urgently appealing for foster parents and adopters after recent storm damage left several of its kennels unusable.
The Cape Town-based rescue organisation says it is in desperate need of people willing to bottle-feed vulnerable puppies and temporarily foster displaced adult dogs while repairs continue.
According to TEARS, repairs to the damaged kennels are expected to take at least a month.
Bottle-feeding fosters urgently needed
TEARS Operations Manager Mandy Store says the organisation currently has a large number of young puppies needing around-the-clock care.
“We have a lot of very young puppies that need bottle-feeding,” says Store.
“Being a foster parent takes a very special type of person, but it is so rewarding.”
Potential foster parents:
- should have previous bottle-feeding experience
- and preferably live in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs or Deep South areas
This helps ensure easier access to veterinary support and assistance when needed.
Kennels full as winter pressure grows
TEARS says its kennels are currently full as winter weather continues placing pressure on animal rescue organisations across Cape Town.
The organisation says every adoption helps create space for another animal needing shelter from the cold and rain.
“Last month, we only had 29 dogs adopted, mostly puppies,” says Store.
“We have many puppies that have been surrendered or found by us. It’s very sad and quite scary.”
Store also stressed the importance of animal sterilisation in helping reduce the growing number of unwanted litters.
Focus shifts to adult dog fostering and adoption
While vulnerable puppies remain a major concern, TEARS says adult dogs also urgently need temporary and permanent homes.
“This winter, we need to get as many of our beautiful dogs into caring homes as possible,” Store explains.
Whether through:
- fostering
- bottle-feeding
- or permanent adoption
the organisation says public support could make a life-changing difference for animals currently waiting for care.
Helping animals across the South Peninsula
Operating across the Western Cape’s South Peninsula, TEARS continues working to reduce animal homelessness, neglect and abuse through:
- rescue operations
- veterinary care
- rehabilitation
- humane education
- and rehoming programmes
The organisation says community support becomes even more critical during winter months when shelters face increased pressure and weather-related challenges.
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