Ms Kitty needs a home

Following an uproar from Weltevreden Park residents regarding the move of the cat’s kennel at Palm Court Shopping Centre, the shopping centre’s managing agents set the record straight.

Fred Rothmann, who is the portfolio manager at JHI (a property servicing company that manages the centre) says though it is noted that the cat has been present at the property for some time and has crept into the hearts of community members and tenants at the centre, the solution is not as simple as merely keeping her on the property indefinitely due to various factors.

“The Johannesburg by-laws as well as the Animal Protection Act are specific in the housing of animals and minimum requirements in keeping animals on a property,” he said.

He further mentioned that it is unfortunate that the legal implications of the centre taking ownership of the animal are simply not viable.

Another point he highlighted is that allowing one cat to remain on the premises may cause other cats to reside at the centre as food and water is readily available.

Rothmann also pointed out the health and safety aspects.

According to him, during the recent renovations that took place at the centre, they found found cat faeces, numerous half eaten vermin and birds that were brought to the commercial element of the centre. He said it was deduced that those were being brought into the building by the resident cat, known to many as Kitty, as well as other feral cats in the area.

“As you may understand, this poses a very real health and safety hazard to our tenants, customers and visitors to the centre, and requires immediate action to avoid disease and other health-related issues which go hand-in-hand with this,” said Rothmann.

According to Rothmann, the centre’s operations manager Michael Davis was instructed to contact the relevant authorities to have the cat removed and taken to a place of safety. However, it appears the cat has found a place in his heart as well.

“He took the decision to move her shelter to the back of the building as its position in the parking area was detracting from the visual appearance of the centre as well as posing a serious risk to the cat itself due to the vehicle movement in the area.”

With that said, Rothmann said it is regrettable that they as the managing agent and their client cannot take ownership of Kiddy and allow her to remain on the property indefinitely due to the various legal and moral issues.

“We wish to state that we always have the best intentions at all times to provide our tenants, shoppers and visitors to the complex the best possible experience when visiting Palm Court.”

They are inviting all parties interested to actively engage with them in finding a suitable home for Kitty.

“Regrettably, due to the various implications as explained… we are compelled by the relevant authorities to remove the animal from the property by 15 October,” concluded Rothmann.