The Tale of African Tails… 

Once upon a time in December 2006, an organisation called African Tails was born. It is set on the dusty streets of townships in Cape Town, where African Tails strives to curb the over-population and suffering of abused and neglected township dogs.

Everyone at African Tails is bound by their love for the uniquely African dog, known as Canis Africanis, frequently found in rural areas and on the streets of South Africa’s informal settlements.

Our Aim

To give every abused and neglected street dog the happy ending they deserve. Sure, the township isn’t the ideal setting for a fairytale-style happy ending. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done.  Whether it’s finding a puppy a loving new home, feeding a starving stray, curbing the cycle of over-population through regular sterilisation campaigns or simply euthanasing a suffering animal, African Tails is doing its best to write new stories of hope and triumph in the places that truly need them most.

 Our Vision

The ever-increasing number of stray dogs adds fuel to the cycle of abuse, suffering and neglect. With this in mind, our key focus areas are:

Sterilisation

Sterilisation – we fund sterilisations on a weekly/monthly basis in Du Noon, Joe Slovo, Vissershok, Langa, Gugulethu and other townships around Cape Town. Since 2008, we have sterilised a total of just more than 6000 animals, and since January 2013 to date, we have successfully sterilised 1800 dogs.  Each sterilisation costs R250, and donations towards sterilisations is critical for us to continue sterilising as many animals as possible every year.

Did you know?
South Africa has enough puppies/dogs already, and all the country really needs is enough people to love them. One female cat + her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in 7 years (source: HSUS). One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years (source: HSUS) That’s why it’s so important to sterilise your pets!

Treatment

We receive calls for help on a daily basis from pet owners in townships, to assist when animals have been injured or are sick.  These animals are collected by us, treated by a vet, and returned to the owner once the animal has recovered.

Education

We are presently focusing on educating the urban public about sterilization and the positive attributes of the incredible Canis Africanis. As well as educating the township communities about responsible animal care through weekly sessions with an African Tails representative.

Rescue and Rehoming

So far we have rescued over 1000 puppies and dogs from townships, giving them the second chance they need and deserve. The process includes a site visit, official documentation and ensuring that the dog is sterilized, healthy and up-to-date with all vaccinations.

Please Note

African Tails does not have a shelter facility. We operate on a system of foster homes in and around the greater Cape Town area. Please contact us to find out further information on any dogs/pups, or if you are interested in adopting, donating, volunteering, etc

 African Tails is a Non-Profit Organisation that relies solely on the goodwill of animal lovers for donations to continue our work.  Our work in the townships is never done and with your help we can continue our work.