"We are delighted to report that it was a major success," says Mandy Store, Operations Manager of TEARS.

TEARS says it performed 163 spays at the TEARS Animal Rescue clinic over the three days. In total, 523 animals were spayed across all the partners involved.

"This is a fantastic achievement as each sterilisation doesn't just help one animal, it prevents generations of suffering, and it keeps an uncountable number of animals out of over-populated shelters," says Store.

TEARS and partners collected animals from families from lower resourced communities who had agreed to have their pets spayed. Most people in these areas cannot afford veterinary care for their pets, and hence there are many unspayed animals, adds the foundation.

"It ran very smoothly and was excellently organised," says Store. "Everyone was tired, but it was such a rewarding few days of hard work, and we were happy to return the animals to their grateful owners."

"These sterilisations will prevent unwanted litters and reduce animal suffering in the long run. It is the best way to stop the cycle of suffering and neglect before it starts," concludes Store. "None of this would be possible without our wonderful and generous donors. We cannot thank you enough. To undertake such a large, spay campaign takes a lot of planning and work and we were grateful to have such hardworking and dedicated partners. It was a fantastic team effort. Thanks to everyone who got involved."

For more information, visit www.tears.org.za. You can also follow TEARS on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor