GEORGE NEWS - An accident involving Cat Assistance Team (CAT) Garden Route volunteer Coriza Vermeulen has left the animal welfare organisation facing a crisis that could bring much of its daily work to a halt.
Vermeulen was transporting cats and kittens when a bakkie crashed into the back of her vehicle in York Street on Wednesday morning, 4 November.
Although she was badly shaken, the cats were unharmed, and veterinarian Dr Elke Schwellnus of Vetcare immediately went to the scene to collect them and ensure their safety.
Predicament
However, Vermeulen’s vehicle may be beyond repair, leaving the organisation with only one of the two vehicles it relies on to carry out its work.
The organisation has just two field volunteers, of whom Vermeulen is one, who spend their days trapping and transporting cats for sterilisation, taking sick and injured animals for veterinary treatment and assisting animals in need.
The other vehicle is in use from dawn until dusk. Without transport, Vermeulen’s daily animal welfare work has effectively come to a standstill.
The organisation says renting a vehicle is not financially viable, and crowdfunding for a replacement would take time it does not have.
Vehicle needed
CAT Garden Route has therefore issued an urgent appeal to anyone who has a vehicle they would either lend for an extended period or donate.
It does not have to be a new vehicle or even be in particularly good condition. It simply needs to be roadworthy, reliable and suitable for transporting cats.
According to Vermeulen, an ordinary passenger car would be ideal, as transporting animals in the canopy of a bakkie poses a risk of overheating, particularly during the long hours she sometimes spends in the field.
Anyone who can help with a vehicle, or knows someone who may be able to help, is urged to contact CAT Garden Route through its Facebook page.
CAT Garden Route is a registered NPO: charitable trust no: IT000919/2016(C); PBO 930055255
Vermeulen tending to one of the cats in her upliftment programme.
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