Rabies is a serious infection of the nervous system that is caused by a virus. Rabies is usually transmitted by a bite from an infected animal. As from 2016, only fourteen people had survived a rabies infection after showing symptoms. Rabies caused about 17,400 deaths worldwide in 2015. More than 95% of human deaths from rabies occur in Africa and Asia.

Hence Engcobo Local Municipality organized a free sterilization campaign for both cats and dogs in the hope of managing stray dog population through spaying, castration and euthanizing if the animal imposes risk to the community.  As part of this massive two days   sterilisation campaign, the Engcobo Local Municipality had the company of the best veterinary doctors and nurses around Chris Hani district from DRDAR, with the company of OR Tambo: TAWI, SPCA and TARDI.

A short health check is conducted beforehand with a guardian to determine whether the pet suffers from any diseases and to find out about its living conditions, shelter, food and access to water. Cases of homeless animals are documented and reported to the SPCA. According to Siphe Ntikinca, the Pound Master of Engcobo, “Our target is to manage stray dog population in Engcobo and get every dog vaccinated against controlled diseases“. To control future stray dogs by spaying dogs, castrating dogs and the last resort would be to euthanizing any animal imposing risk to the public,” she said.