Animal Rescue Organisation welcomes new veterinarian Dr Esté Spies

The Ottery-based Animal Rescue Organisation (ARO), welcomed new veterinarian, Dr Esté Spies, who joined the organisation at the beginning of June.

Dr Spies, who lives in the Atlantic Seaboard area, takes over from former veterinarian, Dr Natasha Clark, who left the organisation at the end of April, after serving it for five years.

Dr Spies has been a veterinarian for over nine years, where she always worked in the welfare sector. “I’ve worked across various welfare organisations and spent some time involved in research at a local university. Even then, I continued to do locum work for welfare organisations because I couldn’t stay away from the frontline work!,” she said.

Dr Spies said she always wanted to be a veterinarian from a young age. “I always knew that I wanted to work with animals, but as my studies progressed, I became increasingly drawn to the welfare side of veterinary care, where the need is greatest and the work has such a meaningful impact,” she said.

Dr Spies said she was excited to be part of the ARO team that has its main hospital in Ottery and runs mobile clinics in Philippi, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Mfuleni and Samora Machel. It also has several charity shops and holds a twice-a-month charity pop-up shop in Rondebosch Park.

Dr Spies said: “Vulnerable animals often have no one else to turn to, and being able to relieve their suffering is deeply meaningful.”

She also strongly believes in sterilisation as a key preventative tool to reduce suffering in the long term and ensure healthier animals in our communities. “I feel strongly about education and creating awareness in order to improve animal welfare,” she said.

Dr Spies said she is honoured to be stepping into the role that her predecessor, Dr Clark held with dedication and care.

If anyone would like to find out more about ARO, visit their website at https://www.animalrescue.org.za/