George animal welfare group faces transport crisis after volunteer’s vehicle written off
An accident involving a volunteer has left CAT Garden Route with just one operational vehicle, threatening its ability to trap, rescue and transport cats in need of veterinary care.
A volunteer’s vehicle accident has left an animal welfare organisation facing an urgent transport crisis, with its ability to carry out daily operations severely disrupted, reports the George Herald.
Coriza Vermeulen, a volunteer with Cat Assistance Team (CAT) Garden Route, was transporting cats and kittens when a bakkie crashed into the back of her vehicle in York Street yesterday ( November 4).
Although Vermeulen was badly shaken, all the animals in her care escaped injury. Veterinarian Dr Elke Schwellnus of Vetcare immediately went to the scene to collect the cats and ensure they were safe.
The bigger concern, however, is what the accident means for the organisation’s ability to continue its work.
One accident, half the transport capacity
Vermeulen’s vehicle may be beyond repair, leaving CAT Garden Route with just one of the two vehicles used by its field volunteers.
The organisation has only two field volunteers, including Vermeulen, who spend their days trapping cats for sterilisation, transporting sick and injured animals for veterinary treatment and responding to other animal welfare needs.
With the remaining vehicle already in use from dawn until dusk, Vermeulen’s work has effectively ground to a halt.
This means fewer opportunities to collect cats for sterilisation, transport animals requiring medical attention and assist those in need.
CAT Garden Route says hiring a replacement vehicle is financially unfeasible, while raising funds to purchase another vehicle could take too long to address its immediate needs.
Urgent appeal for a replacement vehicle
The organisation is appealing to individuals and businesses to lend or donate a vehicle that could help restore its field operations.
It does not have to be new or in pristine condition. A reliable, roadworthy passenger vehicle suitable for transporting cats would meet its needs.
According to Vermeulen, an ordinary passenger car would be preferable to a bakkie. Transporting animals in a bakkie’s canopy can expose them to the risk of overheating, particularly during the long hours spent travelling and working in the field.
Anyone who can lend or donate a suitable vehicle, or knows of someone who might be able to assist, is urged to contact CAT Garden Route through its Facebook page.
For an organisation whose work depends on getting animals safely from the streets to veterinary care, replacing the damaged vehicle is about more than transport. It is about keeping essential animal welfare services moving.
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Read original story on www.georgeherald.com
