Namibia: Free Sterilisation Helps 30 000 Animals Countrywide

What the report says

An animal welfare group in Namibia, Have a Heart, says it has helped more than 30,000 dogs and cats since 2013 by offering free sterilisation and rabies vaccinations to pet owners who cannot afford private veterinary care. The report, distributed by AllAfrica from The Namibian, says the organisation focuses on low- and no-income households and aims to reduce unwanted litters, stray animals and the strain on shelters.

According to the article, Have a Heart sterilised 1,383 dogs and 1,912 cats between January and September this year. It also said that in September more than 800 feral cats were sterilised through a trap-neuter-vaccinate-return campaign. In Oshana region, 300 feral cats were sterilised and vaccinated, while 30 pet owners received free cat sterilisation support through a partnership with the Oshana SPCA.

Have a Heart coordinator Geesche Neuburg said the group was founded to address animal welfare problems that stem from limited access to affordable veterinary services. The organisation works with local veterinary practices, volunteers and mobile teams, and is funded by donations from individuals, businesses and foundations in Namibia and abroad.

The article also quoted veterinarian Philemon Hoon, who said the campaign helped communities where owners care for their animals but cannot pay for treatment. The work is part of broader efforts in Namibia to manage feral cat populations humanely and improve access to basic animal health services across towns including Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.