EARS Annual General Meeting, held at the Post House Hotel in Greyton, revealed moves for far greater co-operation between it and fellow welfare organisation Greyton Animal Welfare Society (GAWS). The two organisations operate across the Valley of Grace and believe that working together will bring better results for all.

“GAWS and EARS  executives are working together actively to  explore and implement  solutions to enable us to use our joint manpower, skills and support to provide a robust and viable Animal Welfare in our Valley and surrounds,” said EARS chair, Clare Surtees.

EARS chair Clare Surtees addresses the audience. Committee members, left to right, Jacqui Levi, Eric Wells, Penny James, Toni Younghusband

“We are already hosting joint GAWS/EARS education drive with quarterly workshops in the community.  These are interactive afternoons are lots of fun, animal owners visit the various stations set up on a field, with short talks on nutrition, grooming, health and caring for your pet.”

EARS welfare assistants and Penny’s right hand men (from left) Ethan Loff, Monray Zietsman, Gershwin Steyn and Shannon Zietsman

Additional highlights for EARS this year include:

• the establishment of a Community Care Centre in Bosmanskloof managed by local horse owner Gershwin Steyn. 

• a fully committed team of volunteers, led by EARS Outreach leader Mignon Wainwright, which monitors horses at the Saturday market. If these animals are in any way unsound, they are immediately sent home.

• a revamped charity shop

• a healthy bank account

• more geldings.

The AGM was well attended – thank you all – and concluded with drinks and snacks. The EARS management committee remains unchanged: Chair, Clare Surtees; Treasurer Eric Wells; Outreach and Sanctuary, Penny James; Outreach support Mignon Wainwright and Michelle Well; Marketing and publicity, Toni Younghusband; Secretary Jacqui Levi.