Public warned of cat poisoner
The feeder, Owen reported that a few weeks ago, he had found a strange container of raw mince near his feeding station.
Voluntary organisation, Cats of Durban has issued a warning to the public to be aware of a possible cat poisoner, who is operating in the Durban area.
There is a managed colony of cats that live on the open ground around the Old Fort Chapel. They have been sterilised and they are fed by Cats of Durban volunteer, Owen O’Neill.
The city of Durban supports the establishment of managed cat colonies in the city’s open spaces as a vermin-control measure, because feral cats kill rats, mice and cockroaches.
The feeder, Owen reported that a few weeks ago, he had found a strange container of raw mince near his feeding station. He destroyed the food, deducing that it was poisoned meat.
Last week, two of his cats were found dead. This week, a third cat was almost killed. According to reports, the cat is currently at the vet, who has determined that the animal ingested an organophosphate-type substance (an ingredient commonly found in insecticides).
It is highly unlikely that a cat would eat pesticide by accident, so the only deduction is that the insecticide was mixed with cat food and placed near the spot where the cats are commonly fed. They therefore warn the public that a cat poisoner is at work in the vicinity of the Old Fort Chapel Gardens in Old Fort Road.
They are in the process of gathering evidence against this person, and they will not hesitate to lay charges. They would also like to warn the public that poisoning a cat, or even threatening to poison a cat, is an offence under the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962. It carries a prison sentence of three years, or a R60, 000 fine. For more information, contact Niki from Cats of Durban on 031 205-8331.
