We currently have a team of qualified people at the border post with Namibia at Vioolsdrift. The photograph shows the bridge over the Orange River
where the trapping is taking place. Our team uses humane equipment to trap feral (homless/unowned) cats in the area with the aim of sterilising them,
carrying out any primary health care issues that may arise and then releasing the cats.
Our next visual shows one of these cats waiting to be neutered. Our last visual was entitled "Still Going Strong" by the team who sterilised 20 cats
on the first day.
The official policy of the SPCA movement in South Africa is: -
"On sites where the welfare of colonies of feral cats is ensured and their presence is accepted by the owners of the site, we advocate the
sterilisation of such cats, provided that the instructions concerning humane procedures are followed."
This is the case with the Vioolsdrift feral cats but as the population was continually increasing, intervention was needed in the form of
sterilisation to ensure that the cat colony remains at a size that can be "managed" in terms of caring and feeding.
Please note that the National Council of SPCAs has no specific team for these projects which are carried out on an ad hoc when finance permits.
We'll bring feedback from the project in next week's newsletter plus an overview of the cost of these projects.
TRAINING
Qualified inspectors who have worked at an SPCA (or the National Council!) in this capacity for a minimum of three years may advance their careers and
self-development by taking the Senior Inspectors training course. This training for 2010 has now been completed.
We are delighted to advise that there were 12 qualified inspectors who undertook this advanced training recently. They spent 2 weeks at the National
Council which involved practical work and theory. The trainees have to complete four modules successfully. During the course their practical
inspections relate to wild, farm and domestic animals plus equine.
We are preparing for the future by training today.
Here is a letter from Maryke Kayster
Dear Anneke & Christine
Please see newsletter below. We had a very successful sterilisation project at Vioolsdrift.
Most of the border post cats were sterilised accept 2 very clever male kitties who made catching them impossible.
The rest are doing very well – the other cats in this area was also sterilised by this wonderful and very professional team.
Thanks again for always supporting me in helping to feed the cats. I will send pictures of the sterilisation to both of you when received from the
NSPCA.
I received the R400.00 from Cat pals and will send the receipt as soon as I can get to town to buy them food.
Thanks A LOT!!
Best Regards,
Maryke Kayster
Personal Assistant
Customs and Border Management
Vioolsdrift
Tel: (027) 761 8132
Fax: 086 546 4573/027 761 8133
Cell: 072 892 0166
MKayster@sars.gov.za
Thank you to you all who are making such a difference in these cats lives. THey are eating and getting healthier, please keep the donations coming in
as much as possible. You are all such wonderful people helping those who cannot help themselves.
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