Tears Animal Rescue had to halt the intake of new rescues as its dog and cat shelters and foster-care programmes are full.

“We couldn’t admit any more rescued or surrendered animals to our kennel or cattery unless our adoption rates increased substantially to allow for new admissions,” says Tears operations manager Mandy Store.

“While we have resumed operations, we still face a significant challenge.”

According to her, the organisation, reliant solely on donations, needs R22 million annually to sustain its services, including a veterinary hospital, mobile clinics and facilities that support up to 320 rescued animals.

"It's heart-breaking what's happening within the companion animal welfare sector at present," said Tears head of fund-raising Lara Van Rensburg.

"Cape Town is reflecting the same trend that national and international shelters are experiencing. Adoptions simply aren't keeping pace with the number of homeless pets needing homes.“

Head veterinarian Dr Tania Heuer said Tears opposed euthanising any animals in its care unless it was necessary because of extreme circumstances, an untreatable medical condition or if the animal posed a danger to people and other pets. However, some changes had been made to that policy because it wasn’t fair or in the best interest of animal welfare to solely rely on the SPCA for euthanasia.

“Where the kennel and cattery are full and all options to rehome or transfer a stray to an alternative animal welfare organisation for admission have been exhausted, we consider humanely euthanising the animal to be the most responsible option under the circumstances,” Dr Heuer said.

Tears is seeking support to rescue more vulnerable pets, and the public can help by donating second-hand goods.

According to retail manager Penny Koulis, Tears charity shops in Retreat, Fish Hoek, and Sunnydale have generated R1.8 million in direct-sales profit over the 2022/23 financial year.

Ms Koulis said Tears earned nearly R300 000 a month from retail operations but aimed to more than double that to meet its financial needs.

“This income plays a crucial role, covering 30% of the costs for the veterinary hospital, mobile clinics, kennel, and cattery,” she said.

To arrange the collection of any second-hand goods, call Tears at 021 785 4482 or WhatsApp 072 270 5016.

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