PEDIGREE AND THE WORLD WOOF TOUR RAISE AWARENESS FOR DOG ADOPTION

It's worrying times for the world's pooches and those in need of a loving home. There are an estimated 500 million dogs in the world, an alarming 75% (375 million) of which are strays (WSPA) and these figures are on the increase. Animal rescue centres and charities across South Africa endeavor to rescue these strays but some organisations are seeing a decrease in dog adoptions and are full to the brim with dogs waiting for a caring home. Current statistics show that each South African would need to have 15 dogs in order for all the stray dogs out on the streets to have a home (Kloof & Highway SPCA website).

Tebogo Motsepe, Pedigree Brand Manager comments, "Pedigree believe that every dog deserves the chance of a loving home and is championing the cause of dog adoption in an attempt to raise awareness. We fully support initiatives which make the lives of dogs better, such as The World Woof Tour." The Tour saw animal lover Joanne Lefson and her rescued dog Oscar travel five continents in 222 days. They visited 30 countries and over 15,000 shelter dogs in a mission to raise awareness for dog adoption globally.

Oscar's World Woof Tour began in May 2009 and his quest involved hand gliding over Rio, riding elephants and camels, swimming in the Trevi Fountain and hot air ballooning over the Namib Desert. "We are proud to support Joanne & Oscar and officially welcome them back to South Africa after this important mission. Our objective here is to educate communities and urge South African's to first support their local rescue centre in preference to going to a dog breeder," says Motsepe.

Certain areas across South Africa are experiencing a decrease in dog adoption rates from their rescue centres. The Anti-Animal Cruelty League in Johannesburg has seen a 25% decrease in dogs adopted between 2007 – 2009 (Animal Anti-Cruelty League, Johannesburg) whilst The Cape of Good Hope SPCA has witnessed an 18% decrease in dogs adopted from 2008 – 2009 (The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, 129th, 130th & 131st Annual Report and Accounts 2009).

Unlicensed and backyard dog breeders across the country are not aiding this situation for either, Yael Fialkov from African Tails, a charity in Cape Town which rescues street dogs, comments, "In essence every time a dog is bought from a breeder a dog in a shelter has to be euthanized. Backyard breeders are driven by monetary motivations and the puppies often get homed irresponsibly, land up in fighting rings or become breeding machines." By making the decision to have a ‘one off litter' breeders can inadvertency contribute to the production of thousands of dogs competing for valuable homes - one female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years (HSUS).

"The psychology behind buying a new puppy and the mind set of those people making the decision to have a dog needs to be addressed. Potential owners go to a breeder because they want a cute puppy or a pure breed but the truth is that 25% of dogs entering rescue centres across the globe are pure breeds (ASPCA)," comments Motsepe.

Oscar is living proof that amazingly loving, good natured dogs are sitting in rescue centres all across the country waiting to be chosen. Six years ago Joanne Lefson rescued Oscar - a mix breed of Alsatian, Corgie and Cocker Spaniel, from a dog shelter in Cape Town. Lefson comments, "The fact that Oscar's life would have been ended if he wasn't chosen for adoption sparked an idea to turn Oscar into an ambassador for shelter dogs far and wide."

Please support your local animal rescue centre by donating to either: www.aacl.co.za, www.wetnose.org.za or www.nspca.co.za

For more information on The World Woof Tour visit: www.worldwooftour.com