Editorial Note: This is part of a series that profiles the recipients of Lady Freethinker’s Urgent Need Fund 2025 grant program. The program was created to support nonprofit organizations involved in animal rescue and care, as well as those that promote better animal treatment. If you’re interested in learning more about the program, click here.
Animals in underserved South African townships are receiving the lifesaving care they desperately need, thanks to an $8,522.65 Urgent Need Fund grant from Lady Freethinker to Little Paws Big Hearts — the only veterinary lifeline within a 48-square-mile region.
The organization’s mass sterilization and vaccination outreach program brings veterinary services to townships where residents can’t afford private veterinary care. Many residents live below the poverty line in the province, and the cost of a single sterilization often exceeds their entire monthly income.
Puppy receiving food at outreach clinic (Lady Freethinker)
With Lady Freethinker’s support, the group will collaborate with veterinarians and aims to sterilize and vaccinate 350 dogs and cats, helping to break the cycle of preventable disease, unwanted litters, and chronic suffering.
They will also provide parasite treatments, follow-up care, and education about responsible animal guardianship.
Kitten receiving care at outreach clinic (Lady Freethinker)
Meeting an Urgent, Daily Crisis
Animals in these townships face many challenges, including severe overpopulation, rampant preventable diseases, and repeated pregnancies for unsterilized females.
“Many owners want to help their animals but cannot afford even basic treatment or transport,” Cofounder Sons Kempen told LFT. “If left untreated, this leads to constant suffering — sick puppies, roaming unsterilized males, pregnant females every season, and increased abandonment.”
Puppies receiving care at clinic (Lady Freethinker)
Stories of Lives Transformed
After arriving in the Afghanistan township, a man ran toward the team in panic — his dog’s throat had been ripped open, and he had no way to get help.
“We rushed him to the vet, where he underwent surgery and a long recovery,” Kempen shared. “Without our intervention, he would have died alone in pain. Today, he is healed, vaccinated, most importantly, sterilized, and safe.”
Kitten receiving care at outreach clinic (Lady Freethinker)
Another heartwarming example is when the group discovered a young mother dog with nine underweight and parasite-infested puppies. Little Paws Big Hearts then stepped in to vaccinate, deworm, and treat the whole family — and also sterilized the mother to prevent future pregnancies. Thanks to this care, all of the puppies survived and were adopted.
“The animals in these communities are deeply loved, even when their families have very little,” Kempen says. “Many owners walk long distances just to ask for help. This grant allows us to step into places where no other services exist, bringing hope, healing, and dignity to animals who would otherwise be forgotten.”
Puppies eating at outreach clinic (Lady Freethinker)
Thanks to Lady Freethinker supporters, hundreds of dogs and cats will now receive the care they need — and countless animals will be prevented from being born into suffering.
