The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s Veterinary Services has ended its spaying and neutering campaigns in the province for this year. More than 100 dogs and cats have been sterilized in the province since the beginning of the campaign earlier.
Spaying (ovario-hysterectomy) is the surgical removal of reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes) of the female animal. While Neutering is the surgical removal of the reproductive glands (testes of the male animal). Males and females should be spayed or neutered by when six months of age, while older animals can be done as long as they are in good health.
In males, neutering decreases the chances of developing prostatic diseases and hernias and eliminates the chances of developing testicular cancer. It also reduces problems with territorial and sexual aggression, inappropriate urination (spraying) and other undesirable male behaviours.
In females, spaying decreases the incidence of breast cancer, it eliminates the chances of developing a serious and potentially fatal infection of the uterus experienced by many mature unspayed animals.
Spay surgery also eliminates the heat cycle and associated mood swings and undesirable behaviour, messy spotting (in dogs) and the attraction of males to your yard. Spaying and neutering greatly increases the lifespan of your pet and increases the quality of their lives as well.
The success of the campaign has been attributed to the Mobile Veterinary Truck (MVT) that is fully equipped. The MVT was launched last year by the Northern Cape Premier Ms Hazel Jenkins in Riemvasmaak. Communities that have benefitted from the services are Honderklipbay, Welkom, Bankhara-Bodulong, Heuningvlei, Wrenchville and Marydale just to mention but few.
During the spay campaign the department has rendered free services such as dipping, deworming and vaccination of pets against rabies. Spaying and neutering was rendered free of charge by the department while private veterinary clinics charges between R800 and R1500.
Issued by: Directorate Communication Services - Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong - External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 839 7881
Cell: 071 889 5112
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