* The most overpopulated animals in the Little Karoo are dogs. Even among the poorest of the poor every household has a dog (if not two). They can't afford petfood, so dogs are fed scraps, pap and potato-peel. KAPS gets donated petfood (for dogs and cats) and distributes it free every day to starving pets.

* Mange, fleas and other parasites are dangerous to both dogs and humans - and preventable - see Health. KAPS operates a free dipping service as a contribution to human and animal health.

* People living in shacks and substandard housing don't have the luxury of fences to contain their animals. Before KAPS, dogs everywhere were chained up all day with no water or shelter from the hot Karoo sun. Now it is a rarity to see any dog in those conditions in KAPS's catchment area. We provide free water-bowls and assist in erecting fences and sheltered areas.

* Poor people can't afford treatment for sick and injured animals. And they have no way to access veterinarians hundreds of km away. KAPS helps to the extent of its limited means, even if only to bring the blessing of painless euthanasia in loving arms.

* Cruelty, abuse, starvation and neglect are still regularly encountered. KAPS confiscates and rescues animals in need of help, and rehomes those that can be saved. Recently we rescued two starved St Bernards and prosecuted the owner. Only one survived, but is now living a glorious life in a caring home.

* Overpopulation is exacerbated by backyard breeding. KAPS mounts free sterilisation programmes to counteract breeding, and activates municipalities to enforce laws against unauthorised breeders.

* Many municipalities have no licensing laws, and if they have they don't enforce them. Thus no social responsibility is required of dog-owners. KAPS campaigns for dog-licensing, with higher fees for unspayed bitches.

* It is heartbreaking to put cats and kittens to sleep. KAPS does what it can to rehome cats and kittens, but advocates sterilisation as the real solution.

* The Little Karoo has many small/emerging farmers and people who keep a few farm animals on the side, but they are too often ignorant of animal husbandry. KAPS provides help and education and is active in campaigning for the aims of Compassion in World Farming. We recently forced Kannaland municipality to restore the disconnected water supply to hundreds of livestock on its own municipal kraal. In 2003 a pig was rescued from cruelty and now lives a protected life.

* Horses and donkeys are used as draught and traction animals in the Little Karoo. They are often forced to work under inhumane conditions, with cruel bits and broken, ill-fitting harness held together with wire. KAPS has treated, rescued and rehomed several horses and donkeys, and has started holding equine clinics, giving vaccinations, deworming, and treatment for teeth and hooves. It is planned to address the harness problems and to establish more clinics on a regular basis, in partnership with the Western Cape Horse Care Unit of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.