Of the estimated 20 000 dogs that pass through the doors of the 6 main animal shelters in the Western Cape each year, as few as 2000 are fortunate enough to be rehomed. With such staggeringly low adoption rates, thousands of fit and healthy dogs of all ages are euthanised each month; while the market for puppy mills and backstreet breeders continues to prosper.
Oscars Arc saves lives
Joanne Lefson, animal activist and director of Oscars Arc – a NPO born to inspire dog adoption and to save dogs lives – believes this dismal adoption rate is largely due to a misconception and lack of exposure when it comes to shelter dogs.
“Some people think that adopting a dog from a shelter means taking a chance with an animal whose past is unknown and who could have behavioural issues, but this couldn’t be further from the truth – something that any adoptive parent will attest to. However, shelters can be overwhelming and are often situated quite far away from city centres, which means many people have very little exposure to shelter dogs.”
A ‘pop-up’ mobile dog adoption initiative
In order to flip this perception, Lefson is bringing the shelter to the people, and so far, the response has been incredible. “Through WOOF Project, a dynamic ‘pop-up’ mobile dog adoption initiative, we’ve managed to give these beautiful, loving animals a chance to meet people who may otherwise have never considered adopting a shelter dog and, by doing so, we are continually accelerating adoption rates and saving the lives of dogs in Western Cape shelters.”
Averaging 12 adoptions per weekend, WOOF Project has already taken close to 200 dogs off death row since March 2017, and aims to increase the dog adoption rates within the Western Cape by a whopping 50% by 2018.
The adoption process is positive and efficient, says Lefson. “Those interested in adopting a dog complete a brief application, and after a home check the chosen dog is ready to be rehomed. For a flexible Name Your Price Adoption Fee the dog is microchipped, vaccinated and sterilized and comes with a guarantee that the adoption is a ‘perfect match’, for life.”
Head to Root 44 Market
Having already frequented various high traffic locations across Cape Town, including the Sea Point Promenade, Camps Bay strip and the V&A Waterfront, WOOF Project’s next location is the Root 44 Market in Stellenbosch.
Partnering with a number of quality shelters across the region, Lefson has big plans for the project and the impact that it can achieve. “Realistically, over 10 years, we will aim to expand across South Africa and develop the concept abroad. What would those figures amount to? Who knows – but back to home ground, if we only consider the Western Cape, we would aim to save almost 20 000 dogs’ lives in 10 years.”
WOOF Project will be at the Root 44 Market in Stellenbosch on the weekends of 19 to 20 August and 26 to 27 August, 2017.
What: Oscars Arc
WOOF Project, Root 44 Market, Stellenbosch: 19 – 20, and 26 – 27 August, 2017
Info: 081 347 0784
Web: oscarsarc.org
Social media: @oscarsarc on Instagram, Twitter, facebook.com/oscarsarcsa
WS
