BSPCA News
The Progress of the Shelter.
Not so very long ago Botswana lacked a single entity
whose sole function was to look after injured, stray or abandoned
animals, either wild or domesticated.
Wildlife protection came to the forefront with the progress of
television and the electronic media. People in general, companies and
governments invested much money, not only for the preservation of the
wildlife but also for the preservation of the potential income from
people who would like to share in the experience of seeing this wildlife
in its own habitat.
Food source animals also gained much attention from animal rights
protesters and legislation was put into place to protect these animals
with regard to treatment, transportation requirements, slaughter methods
and so forth.
Invariably there is always an area that tends to be forgotten. In this
case it was the domesticated animals, dogs, cats, donkeys, goats , sheep
and even horses, that were left out of the bigger picture, but only so
far as care and maintenance were concerned. Legislation was introduced,
and has subsequently been updated, which legislated against the owner of
an animal that trespassed on a neighbour’s property and caused damage.
Due compensation having to be paid to the injured party and possibly to
the Pound Master who accepted responsibility for the animal(s) during
the process.
No such legislation is in place, other than in very general terms, which
protects any domesticated animal in Botswana against mis-treatment, poor
living conditions or neglect. Frequently a terminally injured animal is
kept alive because it is the owner, and only the owner, who can decide
its fate, or value.
The BSPCA is now tackling this situation with a passion, ably assisted
by committee member and veterinarian Mark Bing, and is endeavouring to
ensure that the domestic animals in Botswana are treated humanely. These
animals must be cared for in the correct manner, even if they are
destined to enter the ever increasing food chain, are accepted as an
integral part of our well being and functionality, and are respected for
their right to a satisfactory life in inhospitable surroundings.
And so the shelter has progressed. From being the only sanctuary for
lost, abandoned or injured animals, to now being in a position to
substantiate itself by making noises to get the legislation changed such
that it is comparable to that of our neighbours, other members of the
African Union and is equal to other SADCC countries’ policies.
This has only been possible with the input of funds from our bevy of
supporters, with the dedication of past Committees and Members and the
ongoing efforts of all the people currently involved with our passion
for the respect of animals.
Further steps are being taken to expand our involvement within Botswana
by integrating the many people who are working on their own individual
projects in various parts of the country aimed at alleviating animal
suffering. If we all unite under the flag of the BSPCA, funds and
fundraising, legislation and Council Bye Laws can all be unified to help
gain a united front that can assist those less able to help themselves.
An appeal for a Rural Mobile Clinic becomes a lot more interesting to a
donor if it travels the whole country rather than just the South East
District.
With support the BSPCA will become a more expanded force and your help
is invaluable.
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Upcoming
Events
June 14: Golf Day
Care to help us raise
some money for the BSPCA at our annual Golf event?
Please contact us and
let us know!
July 5: Art in the
Garden
Gilbert Art Studio,
Notwane. BSPCA will be on hand to serve you tasty refreshments
as you enjoy the Studio’s young artists’ work in the tranquil
setting of Notwane.
Don’t Forget World Animal Day:
October 4th
www.worldanimalday.org.uk
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