The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, Rural Development, Environment and Nature Conservation’s Veterinary Services together with the Colesburg Rotary Club have sterilized about 255 dogs and 21 cats in in the area during spaying and neutering campaign recently.
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 un-spayed 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.
Through such campaigns, government seeks to enable veterinary services to reach more animals in need of professional veterinary care especially in rural areas of the Province.
Out of 255 dogs 102 were males and 153 females whiles 08 males and 13 female cats.
The Department will like to thank all role players for their contribution to the success of the campaign.
The three-day campaign was made possible by the Colesburg Rotary club that sponsored the veterinary medication while three private veterinarians assisted during the campaign free of charge.
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong – External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 802 5622
Cell: 066 303 8166
Email: pmanankong@ncpg.gov.za
www.agrinc.gov.za
Zandisile Luphahla
Media Liaison Officer
060 997 5404