About AWSS

MISSION STATEMENT

We recognize animals as living beings with the right to a good quality life.

We therefore dedicate ourselves:

* to serve our community and their pets

* to prevent cruelty and the ill treatment of animals

* to encourage kindness and consideration towards animals

* to teach the entire community with regard to the humane treatment of animals and compassion for them

* to improve the health of animals and in turn their respective communities

We endeavour to achieve this by means of education, awareness programs and sterilisation

General Principles:

We believe that every living creature has a fundamental value and is a sentient being.

We consider that the welfare of an animal includes its physical and mental state and that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of well-being.

We believe that an animal’s welfare should be considered in terms of 5 freedoms:-

Freedom from hunger and thirst – by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain health & vigour.
Freedom from discomfort – by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from pain, injury and disease – be prevention, rapid diagnosis and treatment
Freedom to express normal behaviour – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
Freedom from fear and distress – by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

History:

The Animal Welfare Society Stellenbosch was founded in 1956 with the donation of a van and the support of the Stellenbosch Animal Hospital veterinary practice.
The AWS Stellenbosch is an autonomous and independent body, registered in terms of the Non-Profit Organisations Act. It has been functioning in its present format since 1991 and is the only organisation of its kind that is operational in the municipal area and magisterial district of Stellenbosch.
1992 the Municipality provided land and built the original 16 kennels and cattery with 16 runs.
A couple of years later another 5 kennels were added.
2 prefabricated buildings were added as kitchen and office.
1996 to 2003: - Additional cattery with 8 runs & new fenced areas for dogs for daily exercise and outside puppy camps
2004 to 2006: - Addition of Sterilisation Clinic and office; April 2006: as a vote of confidence the Municipality trebled our site area and renewed our lease.
2006 to present: - Addition of paddocks for dogs; Employment of vet and starting with consultations and treatments; Moving office into house on premises and upgrading of facilities; Beginning of the Kyamandi mobile clinic, farm workers project and sterilisation campaigns, plus the addition of quarantine kennels thanks to our sponsors.

Meet The AWSS Team:

Executive Committee: Evelin Bresler Chairperson

Lorna Hughes Vice chair

Estelle Potgieter Honorary Treasurer

Gisela Buyskes Secretary

Charl Cilliers

Tania Brand

Brenda Marx

Suzanne Bergmann

The executive committee makes decisions regarding the AWSS's survival and long term sustainability.

Accountant: - Laura Kot

Management Team and Staff:

Annelize Roos Veterinarian

Nicci Collins Administrative Officer

Jo-Anne Ashford Kennel Manager

Elmarie Immelman Cattery Manager

Lodine Norden Animal Welfare Assistant

Nicolene Coertze Veterinary Nurse

Leon Muller Inspector

Wayne Heathcote Inspector

Riaan Stevens Kennel Assistant

Edward Lewis Cattery Supervisor

Hershel Mulligan Kennel Assistant

Emile Piedt Kennel Assistant

Caro Swarts Clinic Assistant

Rene De Wet Fundraising Officer

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