Project summary

Pets, such as canines (dogs) and felines (cats), occupy an important place in people's lives. Not only do they bring joy and companionship, but they are also integral members of the family for many. However, a worrying number of pets are abandoned each year due to ignorance, neglect, or a lack of awareness of the responsibilities of pet owners. This awareness campaign aims to inform and educate the public about pet protection, with an emphasis on responsible adoption, sterilization, and animal welfare. As you can see, the eastern part of the DRC is currently in a poor security situation, especially in the province of North Kivu where the entire population has already fled their villages to take refuge in refugee camps on the outskirts of the city of Goma and in the territory of Nyiragongo because of the ongoing war between the Congolese Armed Force and the Rwandan rebels of the M23 who are sowing unrest and massacres in their passage through the different entities of the region, not even sparing animal life. Humanitarian organizations intervene to assist displaced people to meet their vital needs, forgetting that all these communities have animals such as goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, poultry which also require monitoring for their well-being. The emergency is due to the fact that, given the animal emergency situation observed in the city of Goma due to the war between the Congolese army and the AFC/M23 rebellion, many animals are living in deplorable conditions, without their owners being able to provide them with better protection, proper care, support, and the nutrition necessary for their vital needs. This can increase the rate of animal cruelty and abuse.

Therefore, we plan to conduct regular emergency missions to monitor the situation of animals in the city of Goma, conduct field visits to identify animals affected by the war, provide them with emergency assistance, and disseminate messages on their protection, defense, and measures to be taken on their behalf in case of emergency, especially since malicious individuals tend to stone them as they pass by, accusing them of witchcraft. The main objective is to reduce the number of abandonments and abuses by providing pet owners and the community with the tools and knowledge necessary to care for their companion animals. By addressing key topics such as spaying and neutering, dog and cat training, and proper healthcare, this project aims to create a lasting change in the perception and treatment of pets, as well as raise awareness about pet welfare, which aims to transform the way people perceive and treat canines and felines.

By joining forces to inform, educate, and engage the community, we can make a real difference in the lives of pets and offer them a better future.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

The overall objective of this project is to promote animal protection, advocacy, and care, and raise awareness of animal rights by raising public awareness of the responsibilities associated with pet ownership. We strive to create a community where pets are respected, loved, and well-treated.

To achieve this, we aim for:

−Reduced abandonment: A 30% reduction in pet abandonment in the target area.

−Education and awareness: A satisfaction rate of at least 90% among workshop participants, indicating that they feel better informed and prepared to own a pet. -Community engagement: Increased involvement of community members in animal protection activities, creating a support network for animals in need.

And the following results will be achieved:

·         80% of the population of Goma and its surrounding areas will be informed about the protection and defense of their animals' rights.

·         Animal care will be provided by the IPPE veterinary team.

·         A monitoring group will be established.

·         Phytosanitary products will be available for any animal emergency.

·         Animals will be treated like any other sentient being.

·         Awareness campaigns and animal care will be organized in the various neighborhoods of Goma and the surrounding area.

How will this funding be used?

Given the emergency situation, the funds will be used for the following interventions:

= Deworming and antibiotic treatment of animals

= Deworming with appropriate insecticides

= Keeping animals' fur clean, bathing them with soap and shampoo to maintain a clean coat

= Treating animal wounds

= Raising awareness and advocating for animal welfare

= Sterilization

= Disinfection

= and other interventions, particularly for pets

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

Our team is dedicated to the protection and defense of animals, since the outbreak of conflicts in North Kivu in Goma, we have already organized some emergency interventions in favor of animals, but also raised awareness among the population on how to take care of their pets, but also we organize activity sessions on the promotion of vegan foods such as our vegan education project in schools and the other of community involvement in the process of changing the vegan diet in order to reduce the excessive consumption of animal products in community households and for animal welfare.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

If this project fails, animals will continue to suffer, and their rights will not be taken into consideration.

How much money have you raised in the last 12 months, and from where?

The expenses related to this emergency are broken down as follows:

- Purchase of plant protection products: $1500

- Purchase of medication: $1,000

- Purchase of equipment necessary for infection and sterilization: $500

- Printing of animal identification forms: $200

- Transportation for school trips: $500

- Communication: $150

- Veterinary intervention: $400

- Purchase of pet food (kibble) $500

- Monitoring and evaluation: $250

Total: $5,000.00

Please consider this proposal and, if there are any recommendations and/or changes, you may make them.