Rabies vaccination Campaign at Dwaleni

By: Fortu

The sound of barking dogs mingled with children's laughter as the SPCA and DARDLEA Veterinary Services held an outreach event in Dwaleni. The joint initiative brought vital rabies vaccinations, pet care education and even warm blankets to the community’s beloved animals.

Musa Thobela, representing the White River SPCA, led the team in administering rabies vaccines and teaching pet owners about the importance of animal welfare. “People should treat their dogs as if they are their children,” Thobela explained. “Just like people, dogs need annual vaccinations to prevent deadly viruses.”

The event also focused on responsible pet ownership. Thobela and his team educated residents about the importance of sterilisation to control the growing population of stray animals. “In townships, overpopulation is a real challenge,” he said. “We encourage people to sterilise their pets, de-worm them and treat them for ticks and fleas to ensure a healthy life.”

Despite providing free services, Thobela noted that the SPCA relies heavily on donations and sometimes faces limited resources. “We do what we can, but we need the support of the community to continue helping injured or sick animals,” he said. Some residents struggle to handle their dogs during vaccinations because the animals aren’t accustomed to being restrained, posing an ongoing challenge for outreach teams.

Rosinah Sedibane, an Animal Health Technician with DARDLEA Veterinary Services in Mbombela, joined forces with the SPCA for the event. She highlighted a disturbing local myth: “Some people believe dogs have a worm in their tongue and cut it out, not realising it’s actually a vital muscle. Removing it causes permanent harm to the dog.” Sedibane also warned about the dangers of rabies, especially for children. “A dog with rabies can become paralysed and appear harmless, but it is very dangerous. Children might play with these dogs, risking their lives if bitten.”

The outreach wasn’t without emergency cases. Samuel Ntimane rushed his dog, Danger, for vaccination only to discover it had been poisoned. The team acted quickly, taking Danger to the vet for urgent treatment. “I’m scared my dog might die,” Ntimane shared, anxiously awaiting news.

This initiative was made possible with support from KMI Airport, whose community liaison, Mbongeni Mashigo, emphasised the importance of animal awareness. “By sponsoring pharmaceuticals and resources, we help the SPCA reach more people and teach them how to care for their pets,” Mashego said.

The event was a success, with 47 dogs and one cat vaccinated many for the first time. As part of their outreach, the teams also visit local schools, teaching children about animal welfare and the dangers of rabies.