THREE local volunteers of the Phoenix Animal Care & Treatment (PACT) are striving to find homes for nine felines currently being homed at one of the organisation’s catteries in Durban North.
Many of the cats have been rescued from dire circumstances. Some were ferals rescued from the streets after becoming injured, three came from the Mazarat Farm, which was closed down, while another was mauled by a dog and miraculously survived.
Last week, the Northglen News got to meet the down-on-their-luck felines who, despite their past experiences, were friendly and looking for attention. According to Carla Buxton, a Glenhills resident, the volunteers not only sacrifice their time to care for these animals, taking two shifts a day, but they also conduct fundraising and food collections.
When asked why she donated her time to the cause, Buxton said, “I do it for my love of animals. If we don’t do it, who will?”
Cheryl Poacher, a Mount Edgecombe resident, echoed her fellow volunteer’s sentiments, saying it broke her heart to see neglected animals and their suffering.
“We try and sterilise as many animals as we can in an effort to alleviate the situation and prevent future neglect,” she said.
The ultimate dream, added eMdloti resident, Amy James, is to generate enough funds to initiate a ‘massive sterilising project in Phoenix, a poverty-stricken and neglected area which needs more assistance from animal rescue organisations’.
The trio have appealed for volunteers, donations and sponsors to assist with their efforts. “It is only though the assistance of the public that we can continue with our efforts,” said Buxton.
PACT was established in 2012 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing care and medical treatment for animals in the Phoenix area. The organisation strives to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home both cats and dogs. Contact Buxton on 073 609 5814.
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