Amanzimtoti’s coastal cat hero champions sterilisation programme
An SANDF veteran has taken up a cause of safely trapping feral cats and sterilising them with the help of local animal welfare organisations.
A CAT hero of sorts has silently transformed Pipeline Beach into a successful animal welfare project over the last six months, dubbing it the Pipeline Beach Cat Sterilisation Programme.
Dion Botha, a retiree and former member of the SANDF Reserve Force, grew up in Amanzimtoti and returned to his hometown in retirement with a renewed sense of purpose.
Also read: Cow mooing in the mud rescued by Amanzimtoti SPCA
“I set my gear up at the end of Amanzimtoti Beach Road, towards Pipeline Beach. I am a cat trapper. I put in the time and catch cats humanely and work with local animal welfare groups to organise for sterilisation. After a cat is caught, it takes around one night for the vehicle to pick it up and in the afternoon, the cat is brought back sterilised. I’ve got to spend one more night here with the cat and safely release it the next day. I have time on my hands, have a love for animals and nature and do not do anything else. This is my work and I enjoy it,” said Botha.
Along Beach Road, Amanzimtoti, he has safely trapped and sterilised over a dozen cats. Botha explained that he is in constant contact with local law enforcement and security companies, which help keep him safe while he carries out his work, inadvertently leading to the area becoming a great deal safer for bikers and joggers.
“I hope that my small contribution to the community and local wildlife helps. Once I am finished at Pipeline, I hope to be able to assist with cat colony problems all along the coastline, from Doonside to Winklespruit and Illovo Beach,” said Botha.
Help the cat sterilisation programme’s cause
His ability to carry out regular feral cat trappings and sterilisations is done freely as a service to the community, and as such, Botha relies on sponsorships. Should you wish to assist or would like more information about the programme, contact Dion Botha on 063 243 5049 or email bothadion@gmail.com.
For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
