By Dickson Bandera
The Harare SPCA has renewed its call for cat owners to sterilize their pets to curb uncontrolled breeding, which often leaves owners overwhelmed and resorting to dumping unwanted litters or surrendering them to already overburdened shelters.
Sterilization—commonly known as spaying (for females) or neutering (for males)—is a safe surgical procedure that prevents animals from reproducing. When owners sterilize their pets, they help break the cycle of unwanted litters, abandoned animals, and overcrowded shelters.
The SPCA revealed that more kittens are arriving every month, with the overall number of cats admitted between January and May 2025 alone going over 600. Close to 1000 dogs have been received.
These alarming figures point to a disturbing rise in animal intake alongside a sharp drop in adoptions. Kennels are stretched beyond capacity, food and medical supplies are running low, and Zimbabwe’s unstable electricity supply is adding to the shelter’s operational burden.
“Some are strays, but sadly, many are surrendered. Entire litters are handed over with and without their mothers. If only owners would sterilize their pets. Shelters cannot adopt their way out of the high numbers in their care. The only way to prevent overpopulation is through STERILIZATION,” said Harare SPCA.
Beyond providing shelter, the Harare SPCA plays a crucial role in safeguarding communities by rescuing stray and abandoned animals that can spread disease, cause injuries, and contribute to road accidents. Through rescuing, vaccinating, and rehoming these animals, the SPCA helps protect both human and animal lives—especially in urban areas where strays are increasingly linked to public health concerns.
Every rescued animal is examined, checked for microchips, vaccinated, kenneled, and fed twice daily—a vital but costly process. Frequent power outages have forced the shelter to rely on generators to keep food fresh, vaccines viable, and surgeries running.
