PUPP is proving extremely successful. PUPP is not judgmental, therefore communities do not feel threatened by our presence. PUPP is a Community Based Organisation (CBO), a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) and a Non Profit Organisation (NPO).
Before moving into a new area, PUPP meets with the community leaders through a Civic Association, or whatever structure is in place, to discuss what PUPP can do for the people and what the people can do to help PUPP. Sometimes we are obliged to communicate with gang leaders as well.
We then walk through the area with some of the leaders, so that people can see us and ask questions. The leaders then explain to the community why PUPP will be working in their area and that we are not to be viewed as a threat. A time is then fixed for PUPP to begin working in the settlement - and another PUPP venture is underway.
It is encouraging to see the attitude of the community slowly change as they learn to trust us. Before too long children, dogs and even some cats come running to meet us for a kind word, a snack and a pat.
Generally speaking, communities are co-operative. They are happy to hand in any unwanted animals, which can then be adopted out through an animal welfare organisation, wherever possible. PUPP does not have suitable premises and therefore cannot be directly involved in adoption.
Some time back, the Animal Welfare Society recognised the potential of our PUPP system and kindly agreed to sterilize as many animals as possible per month for PUPP. They also euthanase all diseased or seriously sick and debilitated animals. This is proving to be a successful relationship and we are very grateful to AWS for their help and support. The Animal Rescue Organisation is now also helping us by sterilising animals, as is the SPCA, and we are very grateful to all concerned although PUPP has to pay for the services. PUPP also works closely with the SPCA Inspectorate.
PUPP personnel invest a great deal of time educating the animal owning members of the community on a one to one basis. Sometimes we have to return several times to the same home before the people finally agree to have their animal sterilized. By being tenacious we are 'lucky' enough to have a success rate of about 95% .
