Help Us Transform Uganda SPCA Haven Animal Shelter

Dear AKI/USPCA Supporters,

One of the main reasons the Uganda SPCA needs to move into a larger facility is so they can cater to students-adults and children-who are interested in animals and want to learn more about cats and dogs and how to take care of pets. The USPCA regularly hosts groups of students at The Haven for weekend Humane Education classes, school group visits during the week, and informal/drop-by student visits.

On April 20, students from Makerere University in Kampala visited The Haven to learn about the USPCA's work (see picture). For some of the students, it was the first time to be near a dog--let alone touch one! Most children in Uganda grow up fearing dogs because that's what they learn from their parents (Of course, rabies is an issue and is usually the reason people are fearful, but rather than learn symptoms of rabies and safe actions to take if rabies is suspected, children are taught by their parents, friends, and teachers to be fearful.) Haven shelter manager Alex Ochieng spent about 1 hour with the university students, while they toured The Haven, met the cats and dogs, and learned about "the five freedoms."

May 27 was a very busy Saturday at The Haven (see 5 pictures). There was the usual Humane Ed class and all the activities that revolve around that: reading about animals, coloring pictures of animals, bathing puppies, playing with the kitties. Also on that Saturday, many other visitors showed up to tour The Haven and learn about the USPCA, and some were looking to adopt (and did)! 

In April, the USPCA had one of the largest groups of students, ranging in age from about 3 to 13, at their Saturday HE class. They visited with the cats and dogs, and they drew pictures of the animals at The Haven (see pictures of the students and their drawings).

In late January, The Haven hosted a group of students (see picture) for their 1st visit to The Haven. They learned about animals and washed puppies. They "promised to talk to their parents to not lock/chain dogs," Alex O told us.

This is just a small sample of the many student visitors that The Haven has hosted this year. With all of these visitors and activities, The Haven needs more space to safely and comfortably accomodiate everyone!

Of course, the USPCA needs more space to hold more rescued animals. At one point a few months ago, the USPCA was in the sad position of being unable to take in any more animals-they were 100% full. Luckily, people responded and came by the shelter to adopt and foster.

It's been over 20 years since the Uganda SPCA was started and over 10 years since The Haven, the 1st and still the only animal shelter in Uganda, opened its doors. Since then, the USPCA has played such an important role in communities across the country. Thank you AKI/USPCA supporters for ensuring that role continues to grow and strengthen, along with the USPCA's Humane Education efforts.

Links:

• Uganda SPCA page on AKI's website