Cape Town is ranked as the 9th most violent city in the world. The top four most murderous areas in the City are on the Cape Flats, where Khayelitsha is located. This area has been described  to be  ‘in the throes of violent crime and at war with itself’.  It is largely domestic violence and gang-related violence that accounts for the abnormally high murder rates in this area.

A 2013 Institute for Security Studies Africa report strongly recommended that Khayelitsha and other surrounding areas ‘clearly require in-depth, multi-disciplinary interventions.’ The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Someone who is cruel and violent to animals will also be so to people. Conversely, someone who is kind and compassionate towards animals is far less likely to commit a violent crime.

Our hospital is situated in the heart of Khayelitsha from which, six days a week, we assist the community in exercising compassionate and empathetic behaviour. The SA.MAST team comes into contact, either at our hospital or as a result of our in situ outreach initiatives, with hundreds of cat and dog guardians every week, including disadvantaged, vulnerable and impressionable youth at risk. At each encounter, emphasis is placed on education and the humane care and treatment of animals.

While we assist all Khayelitsha residents, we recognise that we have a unique opportunity to empower the many children we come into contact with. Our policy of never turning away a person, especially a child, seeking help for their cherished cat or dog is an invaluable contribution to the emotional well-being and empowerment of a community in urgent need of role models and the promotion of a compassionate and non-violent society.

SA.MAST is also engaged in the identification and reporting of child neglect, abuse and other criminal activities including drug dens and dog fighting. As this is a sensitive and confidential subject, details on these activities can only be released after receiving a formal enquiry.