In the 15 years now that I have been part of the world of animal welfare in America I have seen so many changes. Changes for the better. Changes that make the general public more aware. Changes that demand better from us humans.
It was not always a given that your cat or dog would be altered (neutered or spayed), and microchips were largely unheard of. These are all standard practices in today’s shelters and rescues and most pet owners are educated about these by their veterinarian. Just two decades ago it was not common practice and the amount of unaltered animals we dealt with was much higher than it is today.
Advances in veterinary medicine allow us to cure so many more illnesses, and manage diseases previously thought of as death sentences. Other countries and communities, who may have had very little to no animal medicine available, are now making great strides in the animal welfare field. Many animal welfare organizations are blessed with veterinarians volunteering their time and expertise to help these animals that would otherwise suffer and be forgotten.
My homeland of Namibia is one of these countries that have built up their animal welfare system to an absolutely amazing standard. There are so many dedicated people making big changes and helping animals and their families.
When you drive through a town in Namibia, snaking along the dusty roads on the outskirts where many poor have shacks built, it is not uncommon to find dogs running along those same dusty roads. Dogs that resemble some kind of Dingo. Brown and skinny, always a nose to the ground looking for scraps. They may have owners, they may not. They live their lives in the streets and everyone accepts this. The problem is, no one is responsible for the animal when it is hit by a car or comes down with a tick borne illness.
Another place finds many stray cats living behind a business, multiplying, dying at a young age. No one is responsible for these animals and they’re more of a nuisance than anything.
Animal Control and SPCA’s exists in Namibia but only in specific towns and regions, and there are far too few officers to possibly address all problems. Some caring people got together and decided that the community can help. That they can tackle these problems with humane and compassionate solutions.
Have-a-Heart Namibia is a non-profit organization that brings spay and neuter services to areas without veterinary services and to low income families owning pets. ‘Since starting in 2013, HaHN has grown into teams working in several towns across Namibia, and collectively sterilized over 21,300 animals as of December 2023’ (taken directly from their Facebook page). They run entirely on donations and have made quite a name in the country they serve. They specifically organize spay/neuter events in rural areas where options for those surgeries are non-existent and many animals reproduce uncontrolled.
Besides the sterilization service they also address illnesses and emergency situations they encounter. Broken legs, ticks & fleas, hernias, fly strife, mange, abscesses and infections, the list goes on. They are usually the only difference between that animal living or dying.
Their main goal is educating owners on proper care for their pet. How to recognize illness and medical conditions, and where to seek help. An entire generation of young Namibians is growing up aware of their pets needs and the adequate care they require.
Another amazing organization is the Namibian Animal Welfare Association which, in addition to spaying and neutering companion animals, focuses on providing education on humane treatment of livestock.
So many communities in Namibia rely heavily on donkey’s, mules and horses to pull carts and perform daily tasks for the owner. It is common to see these working animals along the roadside, grazing or tied to trees. The harnesses are often fashioned out of crude wire and metal as these are the only items available to an otherwise poor owner. The organization provides proper tack and primary healthcare for these equines. They have made such a difference in the lives of countless working animals and have educated many owners.
Not only do they support the proper treatment of companion animals, but they are a fierce advocate for ending all dog slaughter for the purpose of meat in Namibia. While rare, this practice can be found in the poor communities who struggle to survive and rely on these means to eat.
These are only some of the animal welfare organizations popping throughout the country. Together they have succeeded in improving the lives of countless animals in Namibia.
The purpose of including this post is to let people know that, even in a third world country that most have never heard of, humans are making great strides in the animal welfare field. As someone who has moved away from that place a long time ago, it makes my heart smile to see it be the shining example of what people can do when they come together and give a shit about animals.