Learning with Dogs. An African Approach to Animal Welfare. Adrienne Olivier

Transcription

1 Learning with Dogs An African Approach to Animal Welfare Adrienne Olivier

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3 What does Funda Nenja mean? isizulu is an indigenous language in SA Learning with a dog

4 Africa

5 South Africa

6 Diverse Population Population 57 million Diverse origins Diverse cultures Diverse languages Diverse religions

7 African People 80%

8 Mixed Race People 9%

9 White People 8%

10 Asian People 3%

11 Population Living Below the Poverty Line Black African Mixed Race Asian White 64.2% 41.3% 5.2% 1%

12 Social Issues Third world country 30% of workforce unemployed Impoverished communities High crime levels High violence levels Animals bottom of priorities

13 Traditional African View of Dogs

14 Modern African Township Dogs Viewed as a commodity and subjected to: The effects of poverty Violence and abuse Limited access to veterinary care Poor animal welfare legislation and policing

15 Over Population of Unsterilised Dogs

16 Early Beginnings of Funda Nenja Started in 2009 with the aim to teach: Humane dog handling Canine welfare Respect and compassion Animals are sentient beings

17 Where is Funda Nenja? Mpophomeni in KwaZulu- Natal Semi- rural African township 14km from nearest town Population High unemployment

18 Mpophomeni

19 Semi-rural African Township

20 Life in Mpophomeni

21 Dog School Average attendees each week

22 Refreshments for Children and Dogs Walk long distances Hungry and thirsty

23 9 Dog Training Classes

24 Dogs of all Ages

25 Collars and Leads All dogs entering the program are fitted with a collar and lead

26 Force Free Training Methods Positive reinforcement Treats Simple behaviours Tricks Agility

27 Agility is Fun

28 Class Instructors Past program participants Learning valuable life skills Giving back to their community

29 Workshops for Volunteers Canine behaviour Canine body language Canine welfare Training techniques Teaching skills

30 Rabies is a Threat All staff and volunteers working with the township dogs are inoculated with the pre-exposure rabies vaccine

31 Animal Welfare

32 Primary Veterinary Care Rabies inoculation De-worming Minor wounds and ailments

33 SPCA Serious veterinary cases Sterilisation program Cruelty and neglect cases

34 Bowls and Blankets Issued to all new entrants Annual issue to whole dog school

35 Kennels Many dogs have inadequate shelter from the elements Kennels are provided for a nominal fee

36 Transporting the Kennel Home

37 Education is the Key to Change

38 Education Officer Dog school presentations Holiday workshops Mpophomeni schools

39 Assess the basic needs of the dogs Advise and educate Sterilisation Reports cruelty, neglect and abuse to SPCA Identify social welfare needs Home Visits

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41 Social Welfare Why? Children who witness or perpetrate abuse become desensitised to violence and the ability to empathise with victims both human and animal life. Poverty stricken families.

42 Social Services Life skills workshops Social grants Counselling Food parcels and clothing

43 Winter Warmth Drive

44 Career Opportunities Acquired dog handling skills opens doors for our school leavers and secures employment opportunities.

45 How Do We Make a Difference? Changing attitudes towards animals from an early age Nurturing compassion and respect for animals Instilling a non-violent approach to life Nurturing future role-models and agents of change Reaching the broader community Investing in the future

46 What are our Priorities? Education Rabies control Population control

47 Jane Goodall said, Having respect for animals makes us better humans

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51 Thank You