UPDATE: Blythedale feral cats to be depopulated

Following a recent outbreak in rabies among the feral cat population in Blythedale, the decision has been made to euthanise all feral cats in the area that have not been vaccinated.

The tough decision was made by Quintin Doidge and his team at the state vet clinic, who, along with the Dolphin Coast SPCA, will begin the lengthy process as soon as possible.

“We are able to visually identify which cats have been vaccinated through a ‘V’ shaped cut on the cats’ ears,” said Doidge.

The rabies scare came to light after a young boy lost his life during the December holidays after being bitten by a cat infected with the deadly virus.

Only months later, both a guest and an employee at a local resort were also attacked by a feral cat.

Read the original article: Rabies outbreak hits Blythedale feral cats

Blythedale resident Jenny Rutledge, who is one of seven animal lovers who formed a team late last year to manage the feral cat population in the area, will be assisting by continuing to feed the vaccinated feral cats, which are mostly found in the public parking lots.

Chairlady of the Feline Feral Fund (FFF) in Ballito, Sharon Cossey, said the feral cats in Blythedale are not part of the FFF’s feeding colonies, and recently met with Doidge to discuss the rabies outbreak in KZN and its effect on feral cat colonies.

“As chairlady of Feline Feral Fund, the only recognised NPO dealing with the feral cat population on the North Coast for the past 15 years, I request the public not to panic and have a negative approach towards our feral cat colonies.”

“The public must not take things into their own hands and interfere with the work being done. Any queries, please contact me on 072 266 9171 or the local SPCA”.

Doidge confirmed that more free vaccination drives will be held in Maphumulo and KwaDukuza in the coming weeks.

Mandeni rabies inoculation programme 

The KZN Agriculture and Rural Development department will be hosting a rabies inoculation programme in Mandeni on Saturday, April 21.

Take your dogs and cats to the specified venues below. No house calls due to limited staff.

Team 1

• 9am – 10am: Impunzi Road and Inyala Road T-Junction
• 10.15am – 11.15am: Playlot / circle at Inyathi Road.
• 11.30am – 12.30pm: Mimosa Place circle at Lala Nathi side.
• 12.45pm – 1.15pm: Whimbrel Road – open space opposite Long Street.
• 1.30pm – 2.30pm: Open space opposite Mandeni Medical Centre on Long Street.

Team 2

• 9am – 10am: Ted Pavitt park – Stratten circle.
• 10.15am – 11.15am: Richard Circle park.
• 11.30am – 12.30pm: Corner of Anderson Road and Farrow Road.
• 12.45pm – 1.15pm: John Henderson park – corner of Greig Road and Johnston Road.
• 1.30pm – 2.30pm: Open space opposite Mandeni Medical Centre on Long Street..

For inquiries contact Kgomotso on 076 971 1442 or Keitumetse on 076 953 2109.

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