South African Mass Animal Sterilization Trust
Dog in Cape Town

Sterilisation, Education and Emergency Medical Assist for animals in Khayelitsha.

SA.MAST is permanently located in the heart of Khayelitsha and currently responsible for the largest, area specific and goal driven mass animal sterilisation campaign in Africa. Our Mission: To assist informal and disadvantaged areas in their urban renewal and rehabilitation. We achieve our mandate by addressing the causes and consequences of the over-population of diseased, stray, neglected, abused or dangerous domestic animals in specific areas via the implementation of a free, consistent, extremely focused and goal driven mass animal sterilisation, treatment and education campaign. This, along with the provision of an animal ambulance, hospital for the sick and injured, massive kennel building and distribution programme (almost 3000 to date) and other community empowerment initiatives where it is most needed, is our contribution to the compassionate development and well-being of our Rainbow Nation. Unsterilised animals are scheduled for their spay or neuter procedure; when additional assistance or intervention is needed, such as education or inspectorate, shelter or animal ambulance for sick or injured animals, the appropriate action is taken utilising limited resources. Second Stage: A second sweep of all 28 areas for new or missed animals. Given the opportunity we will export our campaign model to neighbouring informal settlement areas. A radical reduction in the number of infected and diseased animals mixing with the human population and a consistent zoonotic disease awareness programme delivers a positive impact on human health. Hover for examples of infections passed on from cats and dogs. Attacks occur most often when their puppies or source of food is perceived to be threatened or when a dog or a group of dogs are guarding their home turf. Groups of abandoned dogs can and have resorted to violent pack behaviour, sometimes resulting in the fatal mauling of children. Limiting adult dog and puppy population numbers through sterilisation while concurrently engaging in humane education translates into a much healthier and safer community. The top four most murderous areas in the City are on the Cape Flats, where Khayelitsha is located. Someone who is cruel and violent to animals will also be so to people. SA.MAST is also engaged in the identification and reporting of child neglect, abuse and other criminal activities including drug dens and dog fighting. As this is a sensitive and confidential subject, details on these activities can only be released after receiving a formal enquiry. Responsible tourism is tourism that creates better places for people to live in, and better places to visit. A responsible tourism approach aims to achieve the triple-bottom line outcomes of sustainable development, i.e. economic growth, environmental integrity and social justice. A healthy and sustainable animal population promotes and is supportive of small business and tourism development, conversely, an overpopulation epidemic of starving and diseased domestic animals hinders this development. Tourism aside, stray dogs and cats can have a negative impact on the economy of these communities since they can destroy local ecosystems, agriculture and kill livestock. Furthermore, free-roaming dog populations result in animal welfare and public health problems. Additional social problems include road accidents, fighting, noise, bitten children, fecal contamination and spread of rubbish. The only long-term and cost-effective solution is the sterilization of stray dogs and cats. Do you want to set up a marketing stall at our hospital?