Interview with Salima Sally Kadaoui, an advocate for animal rights and founder of SFT Animal Sanctuary
Salima Sally Kadaoui, the founder of the SFT Animal Sanctuary located in Tangier, Morocco, assumes multiple roles as an animal rescuer and an advocate of both human and animal rights. Her tireless dedication is focused on creating fundamental harmony between humans and animals within Tangier's boundaries. By extending a nurturing hand to every being in need, she champions the compassionate coexistence cause.
“I have a dream!
Best of all it is gradually turning into reality. Humans are watching, listening and spreading the word. Love, care and compassion towards all.”
Salima Sally Kadaoui
Salima firmly believes that the keys to achieving her goal are education and leading by example. Her exceptional contributions to the animal welfare realm have garnered her international recognition.
"Project Hayat," one of her innovative projects, aims to efficiently control the stray dog population in Tangier. This innovative project is based on the TNVT method, which includes treating, neutering, immunizing, and tagging stray dogs. Each dog is adorned with a distinctive yellow tag, signifying their non-threatening nature to the community. Salima hopes that this initiative will help to control the homeless population and minimize the threat of disease.
Kadaoui's tireless work at the SFT Animal Sanctuary and her commitment to Project Hayat have brought her recognition on a global scale. Notably, she has been nominated for prestigious awards by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, recognizing her relentless efforts to combat rabies.
For further insights into Project Hayat or to support the SFT Animal Sanctuary, visit their website. Their vital work is sustained through generous donations and voluntary fundraising efforts.
What drove you to establish the SFT Animal Sanctuary and commit your life to animal welfare in Tangier, Morocco?
During my childhood, I was deeply scarred by witnessing the mass culling of stray animals in my neighborhood, their suffering etching indelible memories. As a child, I solemnly vowed to change the plight of these animals.
How does SFT Animal Sanctuary contribute to advancing animal welfare in Tangier?
SFT has made monumental strides primarily through our educational initiatives and by serving as a living testament to compassion. Love, care, empathy, and compassion have the power to transform. We are proud to have shifted the mindsets of hundreds of thousands of individuals, not just within Tangier but across Morocco. Tangier is now celebrated as a beacon of animal welfare.
Could you provide further insights into your 'Project Hayat' and the influence it wielded on the stray dog population in Tangier?
Project Hayat, which translates to 'Project of Life for the Love of Life,' is our holistic endeavor aimed at safeguarding all life forms—humans, animals, and the environment alike. To date, we've provided treatment, neutering, vaccination, and tagging for over 3600 stray dogs and 3000 cats. We extend our reach to schools and universities where we've held several conferences.
The community is relentlessly educated about animal welfare, rabies prevention, responsible behavior around dogs, and what to do if bitten. Our overarching message emphasizes treating every living being as we wish to be treated.
Can you share your experiences collaborating with Animals Asia and the Dutch Animal Politics Foundation's "Party for the Animals"?
The "Party for the Animals" honored our sanctuary with their presence, and I believe they left profoundly impressed, particularly by our young residents and the impactful Project Hayat. Their invitation to me to present our project in Madrid and Beirut was met with resounding success. As for Animals Asia, I've had the honor of meeting its remarkable founder, and I hold immense admiration for her extraordinary work. She is a true inspiration.
How do you envision the future of animal rights in Tangier?
Our journey is far from complete. To date, we've achieved a monumental victory in altering community attitudes and instilling a collective awareness of our moral responsibility to care for all living beings. Every day, we receive calls from the community seeking assistance for animals in distress, an encouraging testament to our progress. It's truly heartwarming.
Salima Sally Kadaoui's unrelenting commitment to animal welfare in Tangier, Morocco, is far from the ordinary and is remarkable. Her work at the SFT Animal Sanctuary and Project Hayat exemplifies dedication and impact. We wish Salima success in her ongoing endeavors to promote animal rights and compassionate coexistence. May her efforts continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of both animals and the community in Tangier, and all of Morroco. Thank you, Salima, for making a difference, and we stand with you in this vital mission.