Shocking Case of Animal Cruelty with Potential Happy Ending.
The Feline Feral Fund Ballito was recently called in to rescue survivors of a horrific ‘culling’ spree of a feral cat colony at a local hotel property. To date, six survivors from the colony of eighteen have been rescued and are more ‘domestic’ than feral. The FFF are on a mission to find happy endings for at least some of the younger cats.
Returning from a well earned holiday abroad, Sharon Cossey of the Feline Feral Fund Ballito was appalled to learn reports of an alleged ‘culling’ spree at a local Ballito hotel. Apparently the hotel owner had made it known to employees she wanted the friendly clowder of feral cats ‘Gone.’ Although the group of eighteen cats had been well used to human interaction and had been fed daily by other members of the hotel staff for close on eight years, the hotel owner felt the presence of cats near the hotel drive entrance offended guests.
While making contact with organizations like the Feline Feral Fund and the Dolphin Coast SPCA in preparation for the removal of the cats, part time workers over the weekend rounded up many of the cats, stuffed them in sack bags and beat them against brick walls. Pitchforks to the bags were the final death blow.
Weekend workers rounded up many of the cats, stuffed them in bags and beat them against brick walls. Pitchforks into the bags were used to finally end the lives of the cats.”
Appalled by news of the alleged atrocity, Riki Yoko, a volunteer with FFF immediately made contact with other Feline Feral Fund volunteers in an effort to rescue the few remaining cats who had miraculously escaped the genocide.
“We called in as many helpers as we could to trap the last cats on the property. The younger kittens were taken in to foster care and the mature cats have all been captured and sterilized at Aloe Veterinary Clinic.” Said Yoko.
On visiting the hotel cats at Aloe Vet, Cossey was amazed at how friendly the supposed ‘feral’ cats are. Reaching in to the holding cage, the male ginger of approximately six months old purred in delight and rubbed against her hand. The young female mother, held in the same holding cage purred in unison with the male. “These are not typical feral cats,” said Cossey, “These cats are clearly well used to human contact and clearly LIKE being touched.”
These are not typical feral cats. They are clearly well used to human contact and LIKE being touched.”
The hotel owner denies any knowledge of the alleged culling action but is adamant the cats are no longer welcome on the hotel premises. “Without actual film footage of the actions, we are unable to prosecute,” Cossey explained. The hotel is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by farms with large tracts of open land very near the Umhlali Country Club. “Ordinarily, a resident feral cat colony works silently to keep vermin like rats at bay. Snakes are also seldom found when cats are nearby.” Said Cossey. “Once a colony is managed with all animals spayed or neutered, it becomes a stable entity within the environment. A resident cat colony keeps other ferals from invading the territory. Removing a colony creates a ‘void’ which will very quickly be filled by newcomers.” She said.
Six survivors have been taken in to care by the Feral Feline Fund. Although arrangements have been made to house the sterilized adults at a cattery in the Upper Highway area, Cossey is desperate to find homes for as many of the traumatized cats she can.
“All these cats are very friendly and appear to be more tame than wild. The FFF would love to find suitable loving homes for them here in the area.” Cossey hopes.
To Adopt a Cat, please call Sharon Cossey on 072 266 9171.
Cat Rescue Organisation manages feral cat colonies. NPO facilitates CNR (Capture, Neuter, Release), Feeding Ferals & foster for adoption feral kittens