Using Animal Care to Promote Empathy in Children

In the run up to our annual Spay Day on the second Saturday in June, we head to cattle dip tanks in the area to spread the message about how owners can benefit from vaccinating and spaying their dogs and cats. Across eSwatini people take their cows to dips once a week to be treated for ticks. The gathering at the end of the dipping is an ideal time for Vusumnotfo to talk to the cattle owners about the spay day.

Early this morning I had my first experience of this process at Mcuba dip tank. Not having any first-hand knowledge of cattle disease control, I really did not know what to expect. I certainly assumed the word ‘dip’ was an exaggeration of the extent to which a cow was submerged into the chemicals. It was not. Dip tanks are a carefully constructed cattle kraal that funnel the cows into and out of the chemicals in single file enabling 300 cows to take the plunge in just an hour and a half. I greatly enjoyed seeing cows swim (or attempt to) for the first time in my life and was extremely impressed by the efficient process that was finished in time for the youngest cattle herder to get to school on time.

After the cows had made their way back to their fields and with the sun fully risen, my colleague James Tsabedze started explaining to the group of fifty cattle owners what Vusumnotfo’s Spay Day was all about - the benefits of having a healthy dog that was more loyal and friendly after treatment. This seemed to go down well with the group. I was surprised to realize from the questions people were asking, (after translation from James), that there is limited exposure to the range of medical services available to dogs and cats.

Coming from a country that obsesses over furry domestic creatures, (the UK), I was curious to note the massive contrast in attitudes towards dogs and cats compared to livestock. In the UK it is not unusual for dogs to sleep in their owner’s beds but attaching emotional or cultural value to livestock would be unusual. In eSwatini the case is very different. Cows mean wealth and status for their owners whereas for the most part dogs are often given much less care and attention.

The morning generated plenty of interest in the upcoming spay day. The man in the cover photo showed lots of interest in registering his dog. We anticipate that he will soon be the owner of a healthier, happier dog which will set a positive example of care and responsibility in his community. Treating and caring well for animals has a massive impact on how they behave towards you, a truth very similar for humans too!

We appreciate your support to help make the June 8th spay day happen. We are almost at our budget but need your help to achieve the full funds required. Please note that donations made on Wednesday May 22 fall within Global Giving’s Paws and Claws promotion - meaning that your donations will be matched by 30%

Links:

• http://www.vusumnotfo.org