- Dr. John Mc Mullen has dedicated 50 years to the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, shaping its legacy.
- His journey began in Ireland, leading him to South Africa, where he found his true passion.
- As the current CEO, he emphasises the importance of staff and education in promoting animal welfare.
It is not daily that you come across an individual who has not only dedicated his life to his passion but also used that passion to preserve life for a lifetime.
For going on 50 years with the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa (AWS), Dr John Mc Mullen has diligently given back to the surrounding communities, not only as a veterinary surgeon, chair and vice-chair of the board but also as the current Chief Executive Officer of the AWS.
ALSO READ | NGO launches pet taxi to assist needy residents with monthly animal clinic visits
Starting his career in 1973 at a practice focusing on large animals, including equine and cattle in Ireland, he quickly learnt this was not where his passion was and then joined small animal practices in Ireland and London instead. On his way to the United States of America (USA), he paid a visit to his brother in South Africa in 1975 and has not left since.
Out of work and looking for a place to practice, he contacted the AWS, who gave him a chance on their then one-year rotational contract giving several vets from other practices an opportunity.
When his year had come to an end, he soon realised his passion for the organisation and vowed to continue working at the clinic while practicing privately. This became a five-decade-long promise kept.
he says.
With medicine a common career in his family, his parents encouraged him to follow in their footsteps, but Dr Mac instead stood firm on his course. He completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the National University of Ireland.
Animal children
In a twist of fate, to help his parents deal with the empty nest, Dr Mac got his parents two long-haired Dachshund’s.
“They were children. They were looked after. Suddenly, my parents realised what having a dog was and those dogs lived until around 18 years old,” he says.
Known affectionately as Dr Mac, he has worked diligently behind the scenes for years. But, having started six practices in the metropole with a colleague Dr Asher Tepper between 1976 and 1986, and a further two in London, his wealth of knowledge and numerous legacy contributions to the almost 95-year-old organisation are evident.
ALSO READ | A 150 years of caring for animals
Since coming to the AWS and working in the Cape Metropole, Dr Mac says they have seen it all. Based in the Philippi industrial area near Hanover Park, they service the broader communities of Philippi, Manenberg, Hanover Park, Mitchells Plain and surrounds not only treating sick animals but also rescuing animals in need.
At any given time, their hospital can see up to 12 000 annual clients.
The expansion of the clinic will be one of the legacies he leaves behind. With four fully equipped theatres, the clinic was redesigned 15 years ago.
he says with a chuckle.
They have even operated on exotic animals, rodents, cart horses and assist in the rehabilitation of wild animals through the assistance of another organisation in Pringle Bay.
One of only three CEOs in the 95-year history of the organisation, longevity and continuity of staff is one thing Mc Mullen attributes to the success of the organisation.
“Our most valuable asset is our staff,” he says.
Education
Aside from the work of its inspectorate, Mc Mullen says the biggest thing lacking is education around the importance of vaccination and sterilisation, treatment of illness and animal cruelty.
Not believing that the sanctions for animal cruelty are deterrent enough, their work includes educating owners to create better future pet owners. One of their successful initiatives is having animal warriors in communities. Many a time these are children who will even collect sick animals and bring them to the AWS.
“We help all, big or small is our motto. They bring them here because they know they will get help here. Having these children involved as little animal ambassadors, we give them certificates for their work and it is part of educating them on animals. We start educating them young,” he says.
Mc Mullen says they have seen many great examples of animal lovers from across the metropole, where animal owners even kept a pig in front of a heater during the recent storms.
Their drives around vaccinations and sterilisation have also seen a decrease in the population of stray animals in a nearby informal settlement.
Receiving no government funding and relying on the support of the greater public, the organisation does not make money the overriding factor, but would rather go the extra mile to help an animal in need.
Heading toward 100 years is no easy feat, but with the loyal support of locals and volunteers from abroad and dedicated personnel working both on the front lines and behind the scenes, the organisation keeps going strong.
Follow the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa on Facebook for updates on their programmes.
