UNDERSTANDING YOUR PETS AND TRAINING THEM IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF RESPONSIBLE GUARDIANSHIP.
Training your pet is not just about teaching them to perform tricks or follow commands; it’s a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership. We’ll delve into the key reasons why investing time and effort into training is a decision you won’t regret, and how it can lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling partnership between you and your pet.
While we often see our pets as perfect, they have their moments, just like we all do, and that’s perfectly fine! Pets don’t come into our lives already trained, so it’s essential to understand the importance of training and what key lessons to impart. Sometimes, addressing behavioural concerns can be as straightforward as dedicating a few minutes each day or making simple adjustments, like adding an extra food bowl for a cat or providing a sandpit for a dog.
Failing to train your pets can lead to frustration on your part, which, in turn, creates confusion and stress for your furry friend, perpetuating a cycle of misbehaviour. Many pets end up in shelters due to perceived “behavioural issues,” which are often quite normal given the circumstances and unmet needs, and could be resolved with a little training and attention from their owners.
WHY IS TRAINING IMPORTANT?
Training your pet is a valuable investment! Let’s explore these key reasons and understand how they contribute to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling partnership between you and your beloved pet.
1. Communication: Training is a bridge that helps you and your pet communicate effectively. By learning to understand and respond to commands, cues, and signals, your pet can express their needs and desires more clearly. Likewise, you can convey your expectations and boundaries in a way that your pet comprehends. This mutual understanding forms a foundation for a deeper connection.
2. Behavioural Harmony: Well-trained pets are more likely to exhibit positive behaviours. They are less prone to destructive actions like chewing on furniture or having accidents indoors. A pet that doesn’t engage in problematic behaviours is often easier to integrate into your daily life, reducing stress and frustration for both of you.
3. Safety: Training is about more than just convenience; it’s about safety. A well-trained pet is less likely to dart out an open door into potential danger, jump on people, or exhibit aggression. This ensures the safety of your pet and those around them, preventing accidents and injuries.
4. Socialization: Proper training often includes socialization with other pets, things and people. This exposure helps your pet become well-adjusted, confident, and less anxious in various situations. A socially adept pet is more likely to enjoy outings, playdates, and interactions with family and friends.
5. Mental Stimulation: Training keeps your pet’s mind active. Learning new commands and tricks challenges their cognitive abilities, warding off boredom. Mentally stimulated pets are generally happier and less prone to engage in undesirable behaviours born out of frustration.
6. Exercise and Physical Health: Many training activities involve physical exercise, which is vital for your pet’s overall health. Regular exercise helps maintain an ideal weight, promotes cardiovascular health, and keeps muscles strong. A fit and active pet is more likely to lead a happy, longer life.
7. Bonding: Training sessions are an excellent opportunity for you and your pet to bond. The time you spend teaching and learning together strengthens your emotional connection. These positive interactions create trust, affection, and a sense of security in your pet.
8. Increased Freedom: A well-trained pet often enjoys more freedom because you can trust them in various situations. This means you can include them in more aspects of your life, whether it’s travelling together, visiting friends, or going on outdoor adventures.
9. Sense of Achievement: Training your pet and witnessing their progress can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a journey that offers a sense of accomplishment and boosts your confidence as a pet guardian.
I am not a qualified trainer or behaviourist; however, I am a perpetual student and love learning about the field of behaviour and psychology and obviously, animals too. I share here what I have learned through the years and what has worked for me. This info does not address how to train a specific skill but rather forms a general guide to help you in the right direction or highlight some important aspects.
If you need help with training your pet, it is important to contact either a qualified trainer or a qualified behaviourist, depending on what your animal needs. Always remember to use reward-based training or positive reinforcement and not fear-based training or punishment. Most trainers teach obedience, basic behaviour modifications, and specific skills whereas behaviourists address advanced behaviour issues like fear, aggression, severe anxiety, compulsive disorders, and other challenges.
You always have to address the underlying cause for behaviour and not just a symptom for example by using cruel anti-bark collars. If a professional starts to badmouth other trainers right off the bat, I would also walk away. Check out the green flags for choosing a trainer below.
Our approach to training centres around a commitment to upholding the five fundamental freedoms of animal welfare. We firmly believe that any training method we choose must ensure these freedoms: freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from pain, injury, and disease, freedom from discomfort, freedom from fear and distress, and the freedom to express natural behaviour.
It’s essential to recognize that your feelings and your pet’s well-being during a training session are paramount. If either of you feel uncomfortable with the training process, it’s crucial to voice your concerns. This extends beyond just physical harm; emotional well-being matters too. Remember that punishment or your actions can have a lasting impact on your pet’s emotional state, so it’s important to be sensitive to their feelings.
Training and teaching tricks should be viewed as an enjoyable form of enrichment that enhances your bond with your pet. In the realm of training, what truly impresses us is your ability to understand and connect with your pet on a deeper level, rather than merely their obedience to your commands. I want to know how well you can read your pet and whether they seem happy.
BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS
When there are behavioural issues, it is always a good idea to go for a vet check first to exclude any health problems that might cause this behaviour e.g., excessive chewing or peeing in the house etc. Keep them healthy with regular wellness checks, up-to-date vaccination (without over-vaccinating), regular deworming, tick and flea treatment, a healthy and species-appropriate diet, enough exercise and enrichment etc.
Welfare for Animals shares a few helpful questions when there is a training or behavioural issue:
WHO – is it environmental? Is it you and your behaviour? Is it a family member or another dog? Or the cat? Are you pushing your dog too much too fast?
WHAT – what is the behaviour- let’s think about the ABCs- antecedent (what comes before the behaviour)- behaviour- consequence.
WHERE – is it certain environments? Would changing the environment help?
WHY – Is your dog fluent in the cues you’ve taught? Are they stressed, fearful or anxious? Are their needs being met? Have you set them up for success?
WHAT TO TEACH THEM?
The obvious commands that are helpful include sit, come, down, stay and leave it. Here are a few I consider important too.
SAFETY – Water safety is non-negotiable for us, but also safety around cars and not leaving the yard when the gate is open. It is important that your pet does not fear water, especially when you have a pool, but also for bathing purposes. You have to pet-proof your pool or fish ponds, but also teach them how to get out if they do fall in. Remember not all breeds are good swimmers!
RECALL – A good recall is one of the most important skills for all dogs to have, if not the most important. Successfully getting your dog to come back to you not only prevents potentially dangerous situations but also allows for greater freedom in off-leash areas. Never punish your dog if you have called them to you. This will only teach them that it’s a bad idea to come to you.
ON-LEASH & OFF-LEASH – You can start by teaching them to walk well on a leash and walking them is a great way to bond with them or help them bond with another dog. You do however need to teach them to be off-leash too and still respond to your commands, so work on recall!
JUMPING – Discourage jumping from the start. I don’t step back when they jump, but rather towards them. If you give lots of attention when they jump, this will encourage the behaviour.
BITING – Say no to biting and nipping. Chewing on the other hand can be from boredom, dental issues or just a way to relieve stress.
HANDLING – Snuggle sessions are a great opportunity to get your new puppy or adult dog comfortable with having all the areas of their body handled because soon enough they’ll need to visit the veterinarian and perhaps the groomer. The animals we care for and live with can work towards learning preventative care with positive reinforcement, to avoid restraint and coercion in treatment throughout their life. Wherever we can aim to teach and instil these caretaking behaviours with our animals, we should invest the time to make it happen.
SOCIALIZE – Socialization means exposing your pet to as many new people, animals, environments, and other safe stimuli as possible, without overwhelming them. This should preferably be done early in their life. Like humans, some might not like it as much, but they need to be able to socialize and not fear being around other animals, humans and stimuli.
HOUSE TRAINING – If they are lucky enough to be cared for and stay safe inside your home at night, this will be important. You need to watch their behaviour and take them out after they wake up or have eaten and add some praise when they go. You might have to re-train some older pets later again. When a mistake happens don’t scream or punish them and never, ever rub your dog’s nose in their mess. Look for and address submissive and “relief” urination as well.
CRATE TRAINING – We don’t support keeping your pet in a crate often and definitely not as punishment, but training for it can be helpful for you, as well as them if you need to crate them during an emergency, car or plane travel, or overnight stays with friends or family.
Your pride and ego should never trump what is best for your pet. You don’t have to follow it, but be open to people suggesting a different approach or a better way of doing it, which can benefit your pet. You can learn from many people. Not all towns have access to training classes, but don’t let that stop you from learning online and trying it at home. Training does not have to be expensive but know what you pay for.
Your pets are your responsibility and you should invest in their training & health. Investing time and effort in training your pet is a decision that leads to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling partnership. It enhances communication, behaviour, and safety, while also promoting mental stimulation, physical health, and a stronger bond. As you embark on this training journey with your pet, you’ll find that the benefits extend far beyond a well-behaved and balanced companion; they create a more enriching and joyful life for both of you.
If you don’t train them, don’t blame them! Next week we will share more tips on training & behaviour!
Nelspruit: 15 October 2023- A 45-year-old scrap metal business owner, Ben Jacobs and two employees attached to Rotex servicing Eskom at Kusile power station Thabang Nxumalo (42) and Jeremiah Mahlangu (48) were granted R1 500 bail each after a brief appearance at Ogies Magistrate’s Court on Friday 13 October 2023.
The trio were arrested in Kendal, Ogies on Thursday 12 October 2023 after copper cables and other metals were found in Jacobs property in Kendal.
According to information, the team of police officers and SANDF who are assigned to safeguard Eskom properties were conducting their normal patrol duties at Kendal power station when they spotted a suspicious-looking Light Delivery Vehicle driving into one of the scrap metal businesses on Thursday at about 12:00.
The team followed the vehicle. On the team’s arrival, the LDV was indeed parked inside the yard. Also on the same premises, there was a VW T-Cross.
The team was allowed to search both vehicles. Nothing was found in the LDV, but in the T-Cross, two bags were loaded with copper cables and three rolls of loose copper cables.
The items were identified by Kusile where Nxumalo and Mahlangu work as their property.
The owner of the T-Cross concerted to be the lawful owner of the copper cables and produced the proof of purchase. The copper cables were bought from the very same scrap metal business where the vehicle was found and had a receipt proving her statement.
Fifteen heavy green metals (Rollers) identified by the Kendal power station as the power utility’s property were also found in the scrap yard.
The scrap metal business owner Mr Jacobs and the two employees Mr Nxumalo and Mr Mahlangu were arrested hence their appearance in court.
Nxumalo and Mahlangu were charged for damage to essential infrastructure and Jacobs was charged with possession of suspected stolen property.
Police cannot rule out possibilities of making more arrests as some of the names of people who sold Eskom properties to Jacobs appear in the items register.
The South African Police Service in Mpumalanga welcomed the arrest of the suspects and commended the partnership between SAPS and SANDF members who formed a strong team to clampdown on those who target the power utility’s properties.
TWO FOREIGN NATIONALS PLEADED GUILTY AND SENTENCED FOR CONTRAVENING TRAFFICKING IN PERSON ACT, ACT 7 OF 2013
MPUMALANGA – The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Nico Gerber, welcomed the sentence of the two foreign nationals who pleaded guilty and were sentenced by the Nelspruit Regional Court on Tuesday, 10 October 2023. The General applauded the investigating officers for the speedy finalisation of the case.
The sentence followed after an intelligence-driven operation was executed by the Mpumalanga multidisciplinary team on Monday, 27 February 2023 at KaMagugu, following information regarding illegal immigrants who were kept in a safe house, migrating from foreign countries into South Africa without proper documentation.
IHSANULLA
The team which comprised of the Nelspruit-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Crime Intelligence Nelspruit, Nelspruit Detectives, Nelspruit Visible Policing team as well as Local Criminal Record Centre, followed up the information which led them to the house at KaMagugu. They found 19 males packed into a three-bedroom house without furniture.
Preliminary investigation established that 14 were Bangladeshi and 4 were Pakistani nationals. A Pakistani foreign national, Ihsanulla, 43, was arrested for being in charge of the safe house. Police recovered 18 passports, 27 cellphones, chargers, and cables which were packaged together and kept by Ihsanulla. The suspects could not communicate in English and were in possession of passports that were not stamped for legal entry into South Africa.
The 18 foreign nationals aged between 20 and 45 were arrested and charged for contravention of the Immigration Act. Ihsanulla was charged with Trafficking in persons. The Department of Home Affairs declared all as undocumented foreign nationals. Investigation revealed that they were trafficked.
During further investigation, an additional Pakistan foreign national Mujahid Hussain (36) was arrested and added as a suspect. The house in which the victims were harboured was leased to Mujahid Hussein and his wife, and in the absence of his wife, he used the house together with accused 1 to harbour the trafficking-in-person victims. The suspects were denied bail and kept in custody.
On Tuesday, 10 October 2023, at Nelspruit Regional Court, both accused pleaded guilty to harbouring the victims and were sentenced as follows:
Accused no.1 IHSANULLA was sentenced to R10 000.00 fine or 2 years imprisonment and a further 3 years imprisonment which is wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that the accused is not found guilty of trafficking in persons committed during the period of suspension.
Accused no.2 Mujahid Hussain was sentenced on count 1 R5000.00 fine or 1 year imprisonment and a further 3 years imprisonment which is wholly suspended for 5 years imprisonment on condition that the accused is not found guilty of trafficking in persons committed during the period of suspension. Mujahid Hussain was also linked with a Matsulu case, which occurred in September 2022. He was sentenced to R5000.00 fine or 1-year imprisonment.
The provincial head, Major General Gerber concluded by urging the public to report such matters to the police.
SASOL initiatives target young people residing in Sasol’s fenceline communities.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Sasol continues to drive socio-economic programmes by delivering initiatives that increase the skills development pool within the community. These initiatives target young people residing in Sasol’s fenceline communities. One such initiative is Bridge to Work (BtW) which provides training in welding, handyman services, business digital services, and garment making among other skills.
Over and above driving these skills development initiatives, Sasol also works closely with the local government to identify and upgrade water, sewerage, and electricity infrastructure. For instance, in 2023 Sasol partnered with Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM) and Thungela to upgrade Leandra’s sewerage pump station infrastructure. Sasol is currently undertaking work on a 40-kilometre water pipeline in Bethal which aims to eliminate water leaks and therefore save water as South Africa navigates through its deepening water scarcity challenge.
Sasol also plays a significant role in the delivery of quality education to local communities by providing learning materials to learners in under-resourced schools, donating uniforms, building, or refurbishing classrooms, as well as supporting the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
WHEN YOU ARE FEELING THE HEAT OF THE WARMER WEATHER, SO ARE YOUR PETS!
As we felt during this last week, the warmer weather is here, and protecting your pets from the heat is crucial for their well-being. While we humans may relish these sunny days, it’s crucial to remember that our furry companions may not share the same enthusiasm for the hotter days.
In this article, we explore the essential steps and precautions necessary for safeguarding our four-legged friends against the oppressive heat. From understanding the unique vulnerabilities of pets to the importance of hydration and shade, we’ll equip you with some knowledge and tools you need to ensure your pets stay cool, comfortable, and safe during the hottest months of the year.
Provide Ample Shade: Ensure your pets have access to shade throughout the day. If they spend time outdoors, set up a shelter or use natural shade from trees or structures. Shade helps protect them from direct sunlight and keeps them cooler.
Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous exercise and outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Opt for walks and playtime in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Stay Hydrated: Always have fresh, cool, clean water available for your pets. Dehydration can be a significant risk in hot weather, so encourage them to drink frequently. Although some owners think that ice water may help, it can actually slow your pet’s water consumption which is counterproductive in the heat. Chewing on ice cubes is also not recommended, especially for dogs with dental issues. Remember to keep their water bowls out of the sun.
Cats may be reluctant drinkers because in nature, they get a lot of the necessary moisture from their food. Here are some tips to encourage drinking for cats.
Image by Bark & Whiskers
Provide Cooling Solutions: Offer your pets cooling options like a shallow kiddie pool or a damp towel for them to lie on. Some pets may enjoy a cooling vest or bandana designed for hot weather. Never let them swim, unsupervised and if they did dip in a chlorine pool, rinse them off with clean water after.
Consider Indoor Time: If the heat is extreme, it’s best to keep your pets indoors. Ensure your home is well-ventilated and has fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature. Regulate the temperature inside your home. Use air-cons, and fans, or give access to cooler areas like a basement or darker room with tile floors.
Travel Safely: If you’re traveling with your pets, plan ahead to ensure they stay cool during the journey. Bring water, a travel crate with proper ventilation, and always avoid leaving them in a parked vehicle unsupervised.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and heat advisories. Extreme heat warnings may prompt you to take additional precautions or keep your pets indoors.
PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Hot Pavement: Asphalt and concrete can get extremely hot in the summer, which can burn your pet’s paws. Walk your dog on cooler surfaces like grass. Test the pavement/ground/road with the back of your hand before you go for a walk. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. Use the 7 second rule. If you can’t hold your hand on the road or pavement for 7 seconds, then it can potentially burn their paws and cause injury.
Never Leave Pets in Hot Cars: Even on mildly warm days, the temperature inside a car can rise rapidly and become dangerously hot. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Report animals in cars to your local SPCA!
Watch for Signs of Heatstroke: Be vigilant for signs of heatstroke, which can include excessive panting, drooling, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect heatstroke, move your pet to a cooler place, offer water, start an active cooling process, and seek immediate veterinary attention. During the active cooling process to treat heatstroke, don’t use ice to cool a pet! Wet your dog down with room-temperature water and focus on your pet’s underside and back (avoiding the head). A wet towel is an effective cooling solution whilst travelling with your dog to the vet.
Grooming: Regular grooming can help keep your pets cool. Brushing your pet’s coat can remove excess fur and prevent overheating. However, don’t shave long-haired breeds as their fur helps regulate temperature. As a general rule dogs shouldn’t be shaved, either; however, there are exceptions, such as dogs with chronic hot spots. Some dogs actually really like a very short coat; in this case, consider a “puppy/summer cut”.
Protect Sensitive Pets: Take extra precautions with old, overweight, or snub-nosed dogs in hot weather. Boston terriers, Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, and Bulldogs are especially vulnerable to heat stroke. Dogs with heart or lung diseases should be closely monitored. For those breeds with a thin coat or lighter skin, prone to sunburn, apply animal-safe sunscreen.
Also read why responsible parents, do not take their children to the circus!
Even in the summer, we can experience some cold days! Here are our cold weather tips. If you see an animal that appears owner-less at the time, in danger, injured, in distress, or one that is not protected from the elements, please contact your local SPCA immediately! Visit the NSPCA website to find your nearest SPCA.
The risk of flash flooding is also a reality.
Image shared on The Paw Company Facebook page
It doesn’t matter what kind of weather we have; your animals should always be protected from the elements as you are responsible for them and it is required by law. By following these guidelines, you can help protect your pets from the potentially dangerous effects of hot weather and ensure they enjoy a safe and happy summer.
As summer’s scorching embrace settles in, safeguarding your pets from the heat becomes an act of love and responsibility. Our loyal companions rely on us to ensure their well-being, and protecting them from high temperatures is a crucial part of that commitment.
Next week we will look at some basics tips on training your dog.
The DA in Govan Mbeki will table a motion calling on the municipality’s Executive Mayor, Nhlakanipho Zuma to provide a comprehensive plan for the upgrades of Sijongile Ndamase Community Hall in eMbalenhle.
During a soil-turning ceremony on August 25, the mayor announced that renovations at the hall were to commence immediately and that a contractor was already appointed.
“According to the mayor, the contractor was expected to build a security house and install a fence around the hall and the whole yard before beginning with the necessary renovations,” said Thomas Mazibuko DA Councillor Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.
On September 7, during the Mpumalanga Premier’s IMBIZO, the mayor promised that the renovation of Sijongile Ndamase Hall would start on September 13. However, renovations have still not started.
Despite their endless promises, the community hall remains abandoned with broken windows, broken doors, plumbing leaks, and vandalized toilets and walls. This goes to show that the municipality’s facilities are administered by individuals who are self-centred and do not care about the needs of our residents.
The hall was meant to provide the following opportunities for the community:
Educational programmes facilitated by the municipalities and other stakeholders. Serve as a facility for different purposes and activities in the community. A centre for public engagement, where important information and ideas are shared. Provide a support system for community projects these include, community gardening services, substance abuse awareness and facilitating clean-ups.
The ANC administration has been making empty promises on several failed projects in Govan Mbeki. Ironically, the mayor keeps on contravening the municipality’s vision which calls for excellence, transparency, openness and responsiveness.
“The DA will not sit back and watch the ANC mislead residents. Through our motion, we will demand the exact time frame for these renovations and the budget set aside for the renovations,” concluded Thomas Mazibuko
CLANDESTINE LABORATORY DISMANTLED AND SUSPECT ARRESTED
Secunda – The Hawks Secunda-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation with the assistance of Pretoria Forensic Laboratory followed information regarding a clandestine laboratory at residential premises in Secunda.
The team confirmed the information, and a search and seizure warrant was authorised and executed on the same day.
During the search and seizure operation, manufacturing equipment and chemicals were seized for further investigation.
The following was seized:
four batteries (the size of a normal car battery),
two cylinders (50 litres and 25 litres),
pipes,
wire,
2x bags of dagga weighing over 100kg,
dry dagga, hydroponic dagga,
8 x boxes of unused syringes 3ml,
4 x boxes of unused syringes 10ml,
about 20 loose syringes containing an oily liquid substance,
about 30 loose syringes with needles containing oily liquid substance,
about 5x 200g bottles containing black substance not covered,
2 bags of 500 cotton wool balls,
small hand silver weighing scale,
two hand grinders (purple and green),
two dagga bags,
9 x 5 litres of ethyl,
5 litre camphor powder,
1.5 litre diphenyl oxide,
125 g activated charcoal,
57 unused viper cartridges,
one unused viper with a white charger in a box,
2 cooler boxes (white 50 litres and a blue 25 litres),
clear packing plastic 2,5 x 250 size
and several other items used for distribution.
During the preliminary investigation, it was established that the dagga was used to manufacture cannabis oil.
The value of the seized items will be determined once the investigation is complete.
The accused is expected to appear before the Secunda District court on Thursday, 5 October 2023.
RAISING THE STATUS OF ANIMALS TO IMPROVE WELFARE STANDARDS AROUND THE GLOBE.
World Animal Day, observed on October 4th each year, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about animal rights and advocating for their welfare. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging the intrinsic value of animals and the need to protect and care for them. This article will explore why animal rights are essential and provide ideas on how people can celebrate this significant day.
WHY ANIMAL RIGHTS MATTER
Animal rights encompass the ethical and moral considerations of treating animals. It emphasizes that animals have intrinsic value and should not be subjected to unnecessary suffering or exploitation. Understanding why animal rights matter is crucial to creating a more compassionate and just world for all living creatures. Here are some compelling reasons why animal rights are important:
Ethical Considerations: Animals, like humans, are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, pleasure, and a range of emotions. Treating animals with kindness and respect aligns with fundamental principles of compassion and empathy.
Environmental Impact: The treatment of animals in industrial agriculture, deforestation, and habitat destruction have far-reaching environmental consequences. Protecting animal habitats and conserving biodiversity are essential for maintaining a healthy planet.
Public Health: The well-being of animals is closely linked to human health. Zoonotic diseases can emerge when animals are subjected to stressful and unsanitary conditions.
Conservation Efforts: Many species risk extinction due to human activities. Recognizing animal rights is essential for conservation efforts and preserving the Earth’s incredible biodiversity.
Moral Progress: The way society treats animals reflects its moral progress. Acknowledging and respecting animal rights indicates a society’s commitment to justice, equality, and empathy.
WAYS TO CELEBRATE WORLD ANIMAL DAY & BEYOND
World Animal Day allows individuals, organizations, and communities to come together to promote animal welfare and advocate for their rights. World Animal Day unites the animal welfare movement, mobilizing it into a global force to make the world a better place for all animals. Each of us can make a difference – together we can bring change! Be part of the solution!
Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate this day:
Volunteer at Animal Shelters: Spend the day volunteering at a local animal shelter or rescue organization. You can help care for animals, clean their living spaces, or assist with adoption events. Your time and effort can make a significant difference in their lives.
Adopt a Pet: Adopt a pet from a shelter instead of purchasing one from a breeder or pet store contributing to the massive overpopulation crisis. Countless animals are waiting for loving homes. By adopting, you not only save a life but also support responsible pet ownership.
Raise Awareness: Spread awareness about animal rights by organizing educational events, workshops, or seminars in your local community. Invite experts to discuss the importance of animal welfare and the ways people can get involved.
Support Animal Conservation Efforts: Donate to organizations dedicated to conserving endangered species and protecting animal habitats. Your financial support can aid in critical conservation initiatives.
Live Kinder: Support the life in your own backyard, the small ecosystems, animals, and insects that live around your home. Say no to pesticides and poisons.
Advocate for Legislation: Write letters or lobby for animal welfare legislation in your region or country. Advocate for stricter animal cruelty laws, bans on certain practices (like trophy hunting or fur farming), and stronger protections for wildlife.
Encourage Responsible Pet Ownership: Educate pet owners about responsible care practices, such as spaying and neutering, regular veterinary check-ups, and proper training and socialization, enrichment, and more. Promote the importance of microchipping and pet identification and keeping your pets safe in your yard.
Create Art and Share Stories: Use your creativity to create art, poetry, or stories that celebrate animals and highlight their unique qualities. Share your work on social media to inspire others to appreciate and protect animals.
Organize Fundraisers: Host fundraising events to collect donations for animal welfare organizations. You can organize food drives, charity runs, or online crowdfunding campaigns to support the cause.
Adopt a Sustainable Lifestyle: Make choices that contribute to a more sustainable and animal-friendly world. Use cruelty-free products, reduce single-use plastics, and support businesses that prioritize environmental and animal welfare practices.
Organize Clean-ups: Organize a community clean-up because plastic and other trash are harmful to the environment and the animals.
Reduce Animal Food Products: We accept that most humans will likely not become vegans, but you can reduce your meat intake and consumption of animal products to reduce animal suffering.
Support Ethical Hunting: Unfortunately, there are many unethical hunting practices supported by our people, like hunting with dogs, green hunting, canned lion hunting, driven hunts, and more. Opt for ethical hunting.
Choose Cruelty-Free Cosmetics: Make conscious choices when it comes to your beauty products. Opt for cosmetics from brands that are cruelty-free, meaning they do not test their products on animals. Look for cruelty-free certifications or check online databases for reliable information. By choosing cruelty-free cosmetics, you’re taking a stand against animal testing and supporting ethical practices in the beauty industry. Find cruelty-free brands here.
Wear it kind:With so many animal-friendly options available, and more on the market every day, it’s never been easier to have a cruelty-free wardrobe.
Reject the Use of Animals for Entertainment: Take a stand against the use of animals for entertainment purposes, such as circuses, zoos, rodeos, aquariums, petting farms, animal rides, etc. that keep animals in captivity to be exploited. Refrain from attending or financially supporting such events. Instead, seek out animal-free entertainment that respects the rights of these sentient beings.
There are many other ways you can stand up for the rights of animals!
World Animal Day is a meaningful occasion to reflect on the importance of animal rights and take action to protect and care for our fellow inhabitants of the Earth. By advocating for ethical treatment, raising awareness, and supporting organizations dedicated to animal welfare, we can contribute to a more compassionate and just world for animals. Celebrating World Animal Day isn’t just a one-day event; it’s a reminder of our ongoing responsibility to respect and protect the rights of all creatures that share our planet.
Next week we will look at how to help your animals stay cool during the hotter days!
WOMEN IN MINING PROGRAMME RECOGNISES TOP WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
The yearlong entrepreneurial Women in Mining business support and development programme, presented by Collective Value Creation (CVC) and sponsored by Seriti, came to a celebratory end on 25 July this year.
In attendance at the prestigious award ceremony in Middelburg were the female beneficiaries of the programme, representatives from Seriti, including Mokhine Makgalemele, Community and Regulatory Affairs Manager and Nyaniso Rapiya, Preferential Procurement and ESD Lead. Joining them from CVC were Wybrand Ganzevoort, Managing Director, Asheka Lee, MC for the day and Orla Ollewagen who was the responsible Project Manager for the programme.
Zoe Sibawu receives Top Entrepreneur Award from Nyaniso Rapiya, Preferential Procurement and ESD Lead, Seriti.
During the ceremony, a number of awards were handed out to those entrepreneurs who showed exceptional dedication, growth and promise. Competition for these awards was fierce and the panel of judges had a hard time choosing the worthy winners.
The Top Sales Pitch award went to Eva Masemola. The entrepreneurs had to submit a sales video showing their insight at the culmination of their sales training and mentorship. This required the entrepreneurs to have a firm grasp on the needs of the target audience and the value proposition that they needed to convey in their pitch.
Olivia Knoesen won the Commitment to Success award for her dedication to the responsiveness that she demonstrated to the timelines and compliance that is required in the competitive nature of a targeted procurement readiness programme.
Some of the Women in Mining programme beneficiaries: From left to right: Zodwa Mlangeni, Wonderful Mafu, Gladys Maseko, Zoe Sibawu and Prima Mokgokoloshi
The Sustainability programme that some of the ladies joined, entailed modules such as Anti-modern Slavery; Corporate Governance and Anti-corruption and Environmental Management. These issues are very important in the workplace and not always the most enjoyable part of an entrepreneur’s job, but Shamilla Rampersad, who won the Compliance Award, proved that SMEs can be leaders in the field of sustainability and they do not have to shy away from their environmental and social responsibility.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset Mastery award went to the individual who had shown the most significant change and/or adaptation in the entrepreneurial mindset dimensions that they have sought to impact. This could include changes in self-confidence, optimism, interpersonal sensitivity or other areas. A few individuals stood out and the decision was made to have two awardees namely, Merlin Kalikhan and Zodwa Mlangeni.
The Top Woman Entrepreneur award for the Women in Mining programme as nominated and voted for by her peers, went to Zoe Sibawu.
Asheka Lee who was also the personal development mentor during the programme, urged the entrepreneurs to “continue to grow, support, and network with one another for mutual business growth and benefits.”
Commenting on the programme Wybrand said: “Gender inclusion and consideration of the environment is critical in the context of enterprise and supplier development and will become even more important in the transition process in Mpumalanga in the future. The research shows us that women are more affected by economic disruption, yet most development programmes focus on men and when they do include women, the programme does not recognise intersectionality and the broad role played by women entrepreneurs in both the mainstream economy and the caring economy.”
And what are the thoughts of the entrepreneurs themselves? Shamilla Rampersad echoed their sentiment: “To all the presenters and coaches, salutations to every one of you. Thank you for giving us the tools to become world-class organisations.”
