J1221NT Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary Doggy Tuesday

The Situation

In the Goromonzi area of Zimbabwe, dog ownership is vital for security, livestock herding, and companionship, especially for older, isolated residents. However, an overpopulation of stray dogs presents a public health risk, notably the spread of rabies and parasites, exacerbated by limited resources and lack of awareness about responsible pet care. Zimbabwe is a high-risk country for rabies, with low dog vaccination rates (just over 11%) and limited access to post-exposure treatments for humans. Rabies is responsible for about 59,000 deaths annually worldwide, with 95% of cases occurring in Africa and Asia.

The Objectives

The Twala Trust Animal Sanctuary Doggy Tuesday Project aims to:

Reduce rabies incidence by 50% in Goromonzi within three years through:

o   Free rabies vaccination clinics

o   Increased awareness and knowledge about rabies prevention among dog owners

o   Veterinary care delivered to pets of local community members

Decrease stray dog overpopulation by 50% in three years, addressing public health and safety issues, by:

o   Offering responsible pet ownership education

o   Providing free sterilisation and veterinary services