Domestic and feral cats targeted with pellet guns in Secunda
Cat owners are being warned about the increase in cats, both domestic and feral, that are targeted with pellet guns in the Secunda area.
Local animal activists raised concerns about the spate of both domestic and feral cats being targeted and shot at with pellet guns and in certain instances, targeted with crossbows.
Several cases were reported in a matter of weeks with the main target areas being Van Bruggen, Wolwespruit, Bloekom and Azalea streets.
Louis Kempen of Little Paws Big Hearts said three cats were shot with pellet guns in Van Bruggen Street with another two being reported in Wolwespruit Street.
“It is sickening! One of the cats had 11 bullets in him,” said Kempen.
“My own domestic cat was shot through the face. X-rays showed that the bullet was lodged in his spine,” said Kempen.
The cat died from the extent of his injuries. In another case, a domestic cat that was abandoned by its owners and became a feral cat was also shot with a pellet gun in the head.
Fortunately, the cat survived his injuries and is now in the care of the Kempen couple.
“He still battles to eat a bit, but the bullet is out and he is going to make it,” said Kempen.
He said in over a decade that Little Paws Big Hearts has been operational and doing outreach programmes in informal settlements, the abandonment, neglect, and cruelty to animals in the Secunda area are mind-boggling.
Kempen explained an instance where people in another town abandoned their three dogs and three cats on the property after they moved.
“These animals were left with no food and no water, completely abandoned. Not only is this morally abhorrent but it is also in contravention of the Animal Protection Act, making it a criminal offence,” said Kempen.
He explained that people who are okay with abandoning their animals are normally the same types of people who would shoot or harm animals just to get rid of them.
Kempen has since opened a docket at the Secunda Police.
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It can not be pinpointed who exactly is targeting the domestic cats and feral colonies, however, it has been reported that in one of the above-mentioned streets, ‘two young boys’ were allegedly involved.
“Parents must know what their children are getting up to and they need to educate their children that it is not acceptable to harm birds, cats, or any living animal,” said Mariaan Chamberlain.
She said she shudders to think that if a child is capable to harm an animal at such a young age, what would they turn out to be when they are older?
“If you have concrete proof, go to the police station and open a case,” said Chamberlain.
Abandonment and/or cruelty to animals is a criminal offence. You can report this to the Highveld Ridge SPCA on 082 869 2350.
Alternatively, you can also report cruelty, abandonment, and cases relating to animal harm to the following organisation which will divert the matter to the correct authorities:
-Little Paws Big Hearts: 065 989 3149
-Feral Watch and TNR: 082 781 9435
-Because Dogs and Co: WhatsApp 081 013 4952
You can also go like and follow the Highveld Ridge SPCA and the above-mentioned organisations on their Facebook pages.
