A township such as Khayelitsha suffers from violence, poverty, disease and distress. Children are born into a cycle of poverty and insecurity, believing that rape, hunger, violence, and cruelty are the norm. Animals are victims of this environment as much as humans, and the health of the two is undoubtedly linked.Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications manager at Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha says: " We believe that a community that loves animals is a healthy community. By looking after an animal people learn responsibility, respect for life, compassion and non-violence. These are valuable attributes which flow over into everyday life."Mdzananda Animal Clinic, which has been serving animals and their community for 20 years, is in the midst of a campaign to provide medical treatment to 12,000 animals.Animal abuse and neglect is part of everyday life in townships across South Africa, with some of the poorest communities in Khayelitsha being home to the most vulnerable animals in the Cape Flats area.Khayelitsha is home to an estimated 500,000 people and their 170,000 pets. The majority of dogs and cats are not vaccinated, which means infectious diseases are prevalent.Pets are unsterilised and this leads to a constant increase in the animal population. There is a lack of knowledge about nutritional and parasitic diseases. Stray dogs that roam the streets become victims of car accidents."There is often the opinion that people in townships should not own pets. We have a different opinion. Anyone who visits Mdzananda has the pleasure of meeting owners who adore their animals."Lack of education and funds result in neglect, illnesses, and injuries. We work on educating the community while providing low-cost veterinary services," says Du Plessis.The clinic treats up to 1000 animals a month through consultations, hospitalisation and surgery for sick and injured animals, primarily dogs and cats.Other services include sterilisation, finding homes for unwanted or abandoned pets, and assisting with cases of neglect or abuse.With 31% of households in Khayelitsha falling below the poverty line, it is impossible for most people to afford standard veterinary fees.The Mdzananda Animal Clinic offers low-cost veterinary services .There is also little to no transport for community members, so Mdzananda's mobile animal clinics reach areas that are beyond walking distance.The mobile clinics help to make services for pets easily accessible. It also includes an ambulance service that collects and delivers animals.Support the campaign by visiting www.mdzananda.co.za...