Learning with Dogs An African Approach to Animal Welfare Adrienne Olivier
What does Funda Nenja mean? isizulu is an indigenous language in SA Learning with a dog
Africa
South Africa
Diverse Population Population 57 million Diverse origins Diverse cultures Diverse languages Diverse religions
African People 80%
Mixed Race People 9%
White People 8%
Asian People 3%
Population Living Below the Poverty Line Black African Mixed Race Asian White 64.2% 41.3% 5.2% 1%
Social Issues Third world country 30% of workforce unemployed Impoverished communities High crime levels High violence levels Animals bottom of priorities
Traditional African View of Dogs
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
Over Population of Unsterilised Dogs
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
Where is Funda Nenja? Mpophomeni in KwaZulu- Natal Semi- rural African township 14km from nearest town Population 40 000 High unemployment
Mpophomeni
Semi-rural African Township
Life in Mpophomeni
Dog School Average 80 90 attendees each week
Refreshments for Children and Dogs Walk long distances Hungry and thirsty
9 Dog Training Classes
Dogs of all Ages
Collars and Leads All dogs entering the program are fitted with a collar and lead
Force Free Training Methods Positive reinforcement Treats Simple behaviours Tricks Agility
Agility is Fun
Class Instructors Past program participants Learning valuable life skills Giving back to their community
Workshops for Volunteers Canine behaviour Canine body language Canine welfare Training techniques Teaching skills
Rabies is a Threat All staff and volunteers working with the township dogs are inoculated with the pre-exposure rabies vaccine
Animal Welfare
Primary Veterinary Care Rabies inoculation De-worming Minor wounds and ailments
SPCA Serious veterinary cases Sterilisation program Cruelty and neglect cases
Bowls and Blankets Issued to all new entrants Annual issue to whole dog school
Kennels Many dogs have inadequate shelter from the elements Kennels are provided for a nominal fee
Transporting the Kennel Home
Education is the Key to Change
Education Officer Dog school presentations Holiday workshops Mpophomeni schools
Assess the basic needs of the dogs Advise and educate Sterilisation Reports cruelty, neglect and abuse to SPCA Identify social welfare needs Home Visits
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.
Social Services Life skills workshops Social grants Counselling Food parcels and clothing
Winter Warmth Drive
Career Opportunities Acquired dog handling skills opens doors for our school leavers and secures employment opportunities.
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
What are our Priorities? Education Rabies control Population control
Jane Goodall said, Having respect for animals makes us better humans
https://youtu.be/y42xnjxrd5m
Thank You