Bronkhorstspruit needs an organisation to care for their stray and feral cats
A huge need for an animal shelter in Bronkhorstspruit
There seems to be a huge need in Bronkhorstspruit for an animal organisation that specifically deals with feral and stray cats.
According to Beverley-Ann Smit, a concerned resident, cats are being dumped just after mating season, usually at the municipal offices, Spar and in the field near Tuscan.
“Some people just pack up and leave their cats behind to fend for themselves.”
Smit was shocked by a recent incident where kittens were left in a box at the bridge going to Riamar Park. By the time Smit saw them, cars had already driven over the four little kittens.
“Wetnose is often full and it is too far to travel to Delmas for help,” said Isabel Prinsloo who has raised three dumped kittens since they were a day old.
Luckily there are many caring people who opened up their hearts and are feeding and taking care of the stray cats in the area.
Prinsloo is one of the volunteers who care for the strays or feral cats in the area.
“The money for the food and the necessities with which to raise babies, such as kitty milk, comes out of our own pockets,” said Prinsloo.
According to Cecillia Knox, an old animal welfare inspector, number 1 Charl Cilliers Street, a piece of land just behind Spar’s parking lot, was donated by the council to the community, specifically for the purpose of being an animal welfare centre.
“The municipality only needs to renovate the facilities and make it available to the community as an animal welfare organisation.
“Sterilisation is also key to this current ‘pandemic’,” said Prinslool.
“People cannot just dump their animals when they no longer want them as it is not only an emotional strain on the animal but on the community as a whole,” she continued.
About 30 cats are currently being fed at the municipal offices, about 10 cats at the police station, around 10 cats at the SAPS Dog Unit and around 15 cats at the Draai/River.
Other areas where cats are being fed, include Spar, the licensing department and Metro.
Should anyone wish to foster or adopt a kitten or cat, contact Beverly-Ann Smit on 065 908 9078, Isabel Prinsloo on 082 469 3589 or Cecilia Knox on 082 413 0350.
