100 pets—58 dogs and 42 cats—have been sterilised in a mass effort led by 3 organisations, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Paws-a-While, and Aid4Aid.
Building on the success of the first Lavender Hill sterilisation drive on 25 February in recognition of World Spay Day, this second unified campaign proved once again that when we step in together, more animals get help, more lives are saved and more suffering is prevented. This time, we did it in Erryn’s name.
Erryn Is The Puppy Who Never Stood a Chance
Erryn was barely the size of a human hand when she was found, alone in a field—tiny, vulnerable, helpless, discarded. She had been born into neglect, likely to a mother who had no access to care or parasite control.
Carolyn Dudgeon, founder of Paws-a-While, did everything right. She stepped in. Erryn was rushed to the vet, dewormed, fed, held, and loved. But sometimes, love is not enough.
“Erryn was likely born with parasites passed from her mother. Her tiny body couldn’t absorb the nutrients she needed. The worms caused a gut obstruction, and as they died, they took her with them. She never stood a chance.”
We Step In To Prevent Suffering Like Erryn’s
Erryn’s story is not unique. Every day, puppies and kittens just like her are born unwanted to mothers who have had no primary veterinary care and discarded—suffering before they even have a chance at life.
Yesterday, 100 more animals were sterilised in Lavender Hill. That’s thousands of future puppies and kittens who won’t be born to suffer.
“Sterilisation isn’t just about controlling the population,” said Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA. “It’s about preventing suffering before it begins. No animal should be born only to die in pain.”
Beyond the 100 sterilised pets, 62 more responsible owners signed up to sterilise their pets. The SPCA will ensure these animals receive the care they need.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Without sterilisation, 100 pets and their offspring could contribute to an overwhelming increase in unwanted and neglected animals.
- A single unsterilised female cat and her offspring can produce up to 370,000 kittens in just seven years.
- An unsterilised female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in only seven years.
“We’re not just fighting pet overpopulation,” said Belinda. “We’re preventing cruelty before it happens. No more puppies like Erryn.”.
A Call to Veterinarians – We Need You.
The SPCA is running multiple sterilisation drives across Cape Town, but the demand far exceeds capacity. More hands mean more animals helped and more suffering prevented—every single day.
“We need veterinarians to step in with us,” said Abraham. “Every pet sterilised today means one less Erryn tomorrow. If you have the skills and even a few spare hours a week, please join us in our theatre at the Grassy Park Animal Hospital. We need you.”
Erryn’s Legacy – A Movement to Stop Suffering
Erryn didn’t survive. But her story has ignited a movement. Because of her, 100 pets have been given a better future—and countless more will be spared the fate she endured.
Her life mattered. Her story mattered. And in her name, we stepped in together, to break the cycle.
How You Can Help
💙 Sterilise your own pet.
💙 If you’re a vet—step in with us.
💙 Sponsor a sterilisation.
