The 4 Feral Rescue organisation’s core function and long-term goal is to curb the ongoing growth of unwanted wild cats in and around Welkom.
Anna van der Walt of 4 Feral Rescue says it was founded with feral kittens and cats in mind.
“However, in the last few months we have been inundated with requests from the public to remove and or assist them with stray domestic cats and even dogs. Unfortunately, this practice is untenable over the long run, as it is not our core focus, which is focused purely on feral cats and kittens,” she says.
The organisation does not have premises or kennels to shelter kittens or cats indefinitely.
“We make use of ‘foster moms,’ with kind hearts and truly little available space, to aid in the feeding and or rehabilitation of feral cats and kittens. Therefore, it is extremely difficult for us to remove cats from the territory they are used to. We work with the businesses and the public to include these feral cats in our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme. This is a highly effective, humane method of preventing overpopulation in feral cats and colonies,” she says.
Being independent from the other animal shelters in Welkom, 4 Feral Rescue strongly supports the five freedoms for these cats. These are: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain and injury; freedom from fear and distress; and freedom to express normal behaviour.
“We urge the community to approach one of the other animal shelters in Welkom for stray or domesticated cats or kittens, as the core function of 4 Feral Rescue is in aiding feral cats.
“To include feral colonies in our TNR programme, feel free to contact Elmarie Calitz or Van der Walt directly. Alternatively, you can contact our emergency number.
“We would like to thank everyone who is contributing to the success of 4 Feral Rescue.
“Without your donations and contributions, we would not have been able to undertake this huge task,” says Van der Walt.
Calitz can be contacted on 081 477 5629 and Van der Walt on 062 093 6544. The emergency WhatsApp number is 062 015 3632.
