Neglect and abandonment by cat owners saddens Edenvale woman

Animal lover and Dowerglen resident Ann Boulanger raised concerns about the neglectful abandonment of cats in the Edenvale area.

Also read: Child welfare speaks out against abandoning children

Her concerns come after a cat was found in a bucket in one of the Avenues by a security officer patrolling the area on August 6.

Ann, who has cared for and tended to abandoned cats since 1985, has a deeply invested interest in their well-being.

She said the cat was found in an empty paint bucket with the lid taped shut with duct tape.

“The cat was taken to a vet. where it was found to be in a stressed condition.”

“The collar was so tight that the fur underneath it had worn away.”

Marita Acar, manager of the Edenvale SPCA, said although the SPCA was not aware of the incident, nor is she aware of similar incidents reported to the SPCA.

“If something like this does happen it must be reported to the SPCA so an investigation can start to determine if there is a trend in the area.”

Ann said through her work in the community she has become known as a person who has extensive knowledge about cats so the matter was brought to her attention.

If someone needs assistance or brings an animal in need, she gladly assists where she can.

Ann believes cats are being abandoned because the owner may not know what to do with them or when the animal is ill.

She said incidents such as the August 6 one occur more frequently during the breeding season.

She urged cat owners who do not want their pet anymore to be responsible and contact Edenvale Ferals, Cat Shack or the Edenvale SPCA.

Ann encouraged community members that if they see a suspicious-looking box, packet or bucket to contact a security company for assistance as it may contain an abandoned animal.

• Edenvale SPCA – 011 974 9268
• Cat Shack – brendahofer13@gmail.com
• Edenvale Ferals – edenvaleferals@gmail.com