When four Cape Town animal welfare organisations set a target of 350 sterilisations for World Spay Day, they thought that was ambitious. They hit 523.
Cape Town, South Africa (27 February 2026) – The four animal welfare organisations that joined forces for World Spay Day – the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, TEARS Animal Rescue, TAH Animal Hospital, and AfriPaw – have shared the incredible results of their three-day outreach campaign across Vrygrond, Hillview, Seawinds and Lavender Hill in Cape Town.
A total of 523 sterilisations were completed in just 72 hours!
That’s 523 animals with a better shot at a healthy, safe life. It’s 523 fewer unwanted litters. And it’s proof of what happens when organisations work together to make a real difference across a city.
The teams had originally aimed to sterilise more than 350 cats and dogs across their target areas, an ambitious goal to begin with. To surpass it by nearly 50% is, in the words of the TEARS team themselves, ‘absolutely crushing it.’
“We completely blew our goal out of the water…Every procedure means a better life for animals in our communities, and we’re honored to be part of it.” they share.
None of it would have been possible without the army of people who made it happen behind the scenes including vets, volunteers, drivers, assistants and supporters who gave their time, their skills, and their energy to the cause. Every single one of them deserves recognition.
Then there’s the community itself. The residents of Vrygrond, Hillview, Seawinds and Lavender Hill who brought their animals forward, who trusted the process and who understood that sterilisation is a long-term investment in healthier pets and healthier neighbourhoods. A community’s trust and participation is what turns a good campaign into a great one.
The campaign also brought donations and shares from supporters, helping to keep the operational teams focused on delivering services where they were needed most.
“When we come together it shows we CAN stop the cycle and we ARE saving lives – one sterilisation at a time.” shares TEARS.
Animal welfare work can feel enormous and perhaps insurmountable at times. But positive stories like this one bring renewed hope that teamwork can achieve extraordinary things. 523 lives (and by extension, many more) changed in three days.
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