Who we are and What we do
M.E.R.C.Y. Animal Rescue was founded 10 years ago with one driving purpose in mind: to prove that projects targeting the sterilization of Animals living on the streets can and WILL lead to a reduction of homeless and abandoned Animals. The ultimate goal being to reverse the man-made “problem” of burgeoning homeless Animal populations, a situation utterly ignored and neglected by the authorities, and thus reduce the overall number of street Animals to a controllable and manageable state of affairs.
Using a logical and systematic approach and working in a controlled environment M.E.R.C.Y. achieved the desired results – a total reduction of feral Cat colonies by reducing the birth rate to ZERO.
The area targeted was the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and part of the Cape Town dockyard. Using limited funding, and compromised by an utter lack of co-operation from the authorities, M.E.R.C.Y. embarked on a plan of action that involved total sterilization, maintenance of the colonies (regular observation, the building of shelters, protection from and response to acts of cruelty carried out by members of the public, the removal of ill or injured Cats for professional treatment by veterinarians – and in extreme cases, the merciful ending of suffering by euthanasia).
At the same time, a feeding scheme was instituted to prevent suffering and lingering death by starvation. The obvious conclusion was reached that there is no point in feeding without sterilizing and vice versa. Having been sterilized, the colonies would continue to be fed, living out Their lives until depletion through natural causes or as casualties of Their environment.
Using a logical and systematic approach and working in a controlled environment M.E.R.C.Y. achieved the desired results – a total reduction of feral Cat colonies by reducing the birth rate to ZERO.
The area targeted was the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town and part of the Cape Town dockyard. Using limited funding, and compromised by an utter lack of co-operation from the authorities, M.E.R.C.Y. embarked on a plan of action that involved total sterilization, maintenance of the colonies (regular observation, the building of shelters, protection from and response to acts of cruelty carried out by members of the public, the removal of ill or injured Cats for professional treatment by veterinarians – and in extreme cases, the merciful ending of suffering by euthanasia).
At the same time, a feeding scheme was instituted to prevent suffering and lingering death by starvation. The obvious conclusion was reached that there is no point in feeding without sterilizing and vice versa. Having been sterilized, the colonies would continue to be fed, living out Their lives until depletion through natural causes or as casualties of Their environment.
By committing time, dedication, self-sacrifice and an unwavering belief in Our cause and combining compassion, humanity and the understanding that all life is inter-connected through a Higher Force, however one chooses to perceive that, We accomplished on a micro scale what could clearly be achieved on a macro scale were the above principles and practices only to be utilized as the guiding values and ethics by those elected to office.
That there is a clear and critical need for action to be taken on behalf of street Animals is beyond dispute. This action is long overdue. The major Animal welfare organizations have committed most, if not all, of their resources to previously disadvantaged (neglected) areas. This has had a deleterious effect on an already precarious situation regarding the welfare and management of street Animals.
M.E.R.C.Y., cognoscente of the critical need to fill the gap, was compelled to lead, and demonstrate to the authorities by way of example, what could be achieved on a larger scale were only the interest to be invested in this sacred cause!
M.E.R.C.Y.’s ultimate goals are to initiate, in conjunction with the authorities, mass sterilization projects (M.E.R.C.Y. is, in fact, an advocate of compulsory sterilization), the establishing of feeding schemes through a voluntary network of Animal minders, Education and Awareness programs – something that is sorely needed to change and mould the mindset of ignorant people and the young whose only influences in many situations are sadly ones of an extremely negative and destructive nature. To engender a sense of pride, self-worth and fulfillment of purpose is CRITICAL in breeding a healthy society.
The establishment of sanctuaries/clinics by which street Animals are filtered through a system dedicated to Their needs, including, amongst other things, deliverance from suffering, assessment, sterilization, health and treatment, adoption where possible, etc.
An area CRITICAL in the successful reduction of Animals abandoned to the streets is the state sponsorship of Sterilisation or the subsidizing of such projects in partnership with veterinarians whereby the procedures are carried out for a nominal (welfare) fee. So, too, Animals already living on the streets. The trapping of these Animals would be carried out by volunteers from organizations such as M.E.R.C.Y. in lieu of the manpower shortage experienced by official bodies such as the SPCA.
That there is a clear and critical need for action to be taken on behalf of street Animals is beyond dispute. This action is long overdue. The major Animal welfare organizations have committed most, if not all, of their resources to previously disadvantaged (neglected) areas. This has had a deleterious effect on an already precarious situation regarding the welfare and management of street Animals.
M.E.R.C.Y., cognoscente of the critical need to fill the gap, was compelled to lead, and demonstrate to the authorities by way of example, what could be achieved on a larger scale were only the interest to be invested in this sacred cause!
M.E.R.C.Y.’s ultimate goals are to initiate, in conjunction with the authorities, mass sterilization projects (M.E.R.C.Y. is, in fact, an advocate of compulsory sterilization), the establishing of feeding schemes through a voluntary network of Animal minders, Education and Awareness programs – something that is sorely needed to change and mould the mindset of ignorant people and the young whose only influences in many situations are sadly ones of an extremely negative and destructive nature. To engender a sense of pride, self-worth and fulfillment of purpose is CRITICAL in breeding a healthy society.
The establishment of sanctuaries/clinics by which street Animals are filtered through a system dedicated to Their needs, including, amongst other things, deliverance from suffering, assessment, sterilization, health and treatment, adoption where possible, etc.
An area CRITICAL in the successful reduction of Animals abandoned to the streets is the state sponsorship of Sterilisation or the subsidizing of such projects in partnership with veterinarians whereby the procedures are carried out for a nominal (welfare) fee. So, too, Animals already living on the streets. The trapping of these Animals would be carried out by volunteers from organizations such as M.E.R.C.Y. in lieu of the manpower shortage experienced by official bodies such as the SPCA.
M.E.R.C.Y., although primarily active at the Waterfront/dockyard area, is often called out to assist in other areas, including both industrial as well as residential areas, and while understanding that feral Cat colonies constitute the bulk of street Animals, has rescued all manners and breeds of Animals throughout its history.
Ironically, the presence of feral cats in an area often provides the most effective vermin and ‘pest’ control measures.
M.E.R.C.Y. often works in conjunction with other formal and informal Animal welfare groups such as the SPCA, TEARS, etc. in relieving the plight of Animals suffering neglect and abuse at the hands of people not fit to possess another living creature.
M.E.R.C.Y. also works tirelessly at enforcing change to Animal Rights legislation, which often lacks bite and is too fragmented to be effective. These facts coupled with a general malaise or downright lack of interest by the entrusted authorities has resulted in people getting away with murder. THIS HAS TO CHANGE! Perpetrators of cruel and savage acts against animals MUST know that there is an EFFECTIVE system in place on behalf of these vulnerable Creations to which they are answerable. They must grow to fear the determination and effective policing of those charged with this Honourable duty.
It is not too difficult to imagine what could be achieved were the motivation and resources to be devoted to these issues on behalf of the authorities, working in conjunction with interest groups. It CAN be done. It IS possible. All it takes is the WILL.
And a course of action shaped, directed and guided by a Higher Moral and Spiritual ethic.
Envision a world where acts of cruelty are seen as an abomination by the MAJORITY of people. It has to start somewhere. And it has to start soon!
Thank You for taking the time to read this. You may help us achieve these noble goals by empowering us to join the collective voice crying out for justice on behalf of all Animals.
We desperately need funding so as to become a dominating, overpowering force for change – to the benefit of Animals and society as a whole.
Ironically, the presence of feral cats in an area often provides the most effective vermin and ‘pest’ control measures.
M.E.R.C.Y. often works in conjunction with other formal and informal Animal welfare groups such as the SPCA, TEARS, etc. in relieving the plight of Animals suffering neglect and abuse at the hands of people not fit to possess another living creature.
M.E.R.C.Y. also works tirelessly at enforcing change to Animal Rights legislation, which often lacks bite and is too fragmented to be effective. These facts coupled with a general malaise or downright lack of interest by the entrusted authorities has resulted in people getting away with murder. THIS HAS TO CHANGE! Perpetrators of cruel and savage acts against animals MUST know that there is an EFFECTIVE system in place on behalf of these vulnerable Creations to which they are answerable. They must grow to fear the determination and effective policing of those charged with this Honourable duty.
It is not too difficult to imagine what could be achieved were the motivation and resources to be devoted to these issues on behalf of the authorities, working in conjunction with interest groups. It CAN be done. It IS possible. All it takes is the WILL.
And a course of action shaped, directed and guided by a Higher Moral and Spiritual ethic.
Envision a world where acts of cruelty are seen as an abomination by the MAJORITY of people. It has to start somewhere. And it has to start soon!
Thank You for taking the time to read this. You may help us achieve these noble goals by empowering us to join the collective voice crying out for justice on behalf of all Animals.
We desperately need funding so as to become a dominating, overpowering force for change – to the benefit of Animals and society as a whole.
Feed a Cat for a Day
Contact us
Postal Address
P.O. Box 8
Sea Point
8060
Email: M.E.R.C.Y. Animal Rescue
Visit M.E.R.C.Y. Animal Rescue Website
Postal Address
P.O. Box 8
Sea Point
8060
Email: M.E.R.C.Y. Animal Rescue
Visit M.E.R.C.Y. Animal Rescue Website
