Neglected cats euthanised
Forty-one cats were deemed to be in such poor condition that they could not be saved.
A recent visit to an animal shelter in Hibberdene by the Lower South Coast SPCA revealed a shocking case of animal neglect, resulting in 41 cats being euthanised.
In an exclusive interview with the LSC SPCA, this reporter was distressed at the disturbing footage of the conditions in which the cats were kept.
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Last Wednesday the society received a complaint from a member of public regarding conditions at Rainbow Warriors.
Two SPCA inspectors were dispatched to conduct a routine inspection.
Operations supervisor Mike Davis and kennel supervisor Shelley Shead were faced with probably one of the worst cases of animal cruelty and neglect they have seen.
The officers found one cat dead in a basket, with another barely clinging to life nearby.
The animal was swiftly euthanised to end its suffering.
According to Carla Steenkamp vice-chairman of the LSC SPCA, the dead cat had already begun to decompose and those which were still alive were patently suffering, and appeared to have been in distress for some time.
A notice to comply was issued, instructing that immediate veterinary treatment be provided to the surviving animals.
“During a follow-up inspection the next day it was found that there was no compliance and a warrant was obtained to seize and assess all the cats,” said Ms Steenkamp.
“On Thursday, our inspectors, accompanied by a local vet, again visited the property. According to the vet, all 41 cats were in such poor health that he advised they be euthanised.”
Ms Steenkamp added that there were no more cats at the facility and strongly urged that no other animals be sent there as the cages may be contaminated.
Inspections had been conducted at the shelter periodically since July with a notice to comply being issued on three occasions.
These inspections had revealed. she said, that the animals, mostly cats, were living in parasitic conditions, that the kennels and cages needed to be cleaned and stricter security protocols put in place due to the number of animals the shelter was accommodating.
On some visits inspectors counted 120 cats at the premises.
According to LSC SPCA chairman Scott Kvalsvig, the society works within the law at all times and emphasised that protocol had been followed in this case.
“Investigations are continuing and findings will be forwarded to National SPCA, whereafter animal cruelty charges will be laid in terms Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962.
“This specific case has been well documented by our inspectors and a veterinarian.
“With regards to the dogs, these belonged to the previous owner and are still at the premises.
“We have offered to care for the eight dogs at no charge and are waiting to hear when we can collect the animals,” said Mr Kvalsvig.
Comment
According to Rainbow Warriors manager, Michael Muller, due to personal circumstances he had wanted to close the shelter at the end of October.
“I met with the owner of the property who indicated she wished to continue operating the shelter and this was made public via a Facebook post on October 29,” he said.
“I agreed to have limited involvement as and when time allowed and it was agreed I would end all involvement with the shelter on November 30.
“I have not been involved with the management of the animals since the end of October and thus have not checked on the conditions.
“The issue between Rainbow Warriors and the LSC SPCA regarding cats held at the shelter has been ongoing and in the past the shelter has conformed with recommendations and warnings issued, regardless of the “bad blood” between myself and the LSC SPCA.
“I personally do not think that the condition of the cats could have been such that it warranted the euthanasia of the whole colony.,” Mr Muller added.
“In my opinion the LSC SPCA has been too quick with the needle and has blown this out of proportion to validate its actions.”
The landlord for Rainbow Warriors, Petra Loureiro-Wytrykowski said she would reserve comment until after she officially takes over management of the shelter on December 1.
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