Facelift for lucky cat
Leaving fish hooks behind can be life-threatening for animals.
DISCARDED fish hooks have recently brought much trauma to some animals on the South Coast.
A female feral cat, now named Fishhook, was rescued by Cheryl Bannister-Jones in Uvongo recently.
The cat had picked up a discarded fishing trace, which included the hook, line, sinker and bait.
The hook became embedded in her left cheek and the tissue surrounding the hook had rotted away.
Dr Hugo Voigts operated on her and removed the hook. He stitched her up as best he could with what remained of her face.
The cat was also sterlisied and recuperated at Harmony Hill Animal Hotel for a few days before having the stitches taken out.
The ‘facelift’ was a grand success and she was returned to her kittens, which were ecstatic to have her back.
In another incident, a young dog named Gypsey ate some bait which was on a line with two hooks still attached to it. This was while walking with his owner on Anerley beach.
The dog was rushed to vet Dr Voigts who successfully removed the hook from its stomach.
Gypsey has since made a remarkable recovery.
Animal lovers have appealed to fishermen not to leave behind their fishing hooks, bait, litter and other equipment.
