Page 29 - Intra Muros October Issue 2025

ESTATE NEWS

What to do if you suspect poisoning Risks beyond cats Ongoing efforts for feral cats
Time is critical. If you suspect that your This issue extends far beyond cats. Poison Our internal feral committee, a dedicated
animal has been poisoned, do the following: bait can also harm the following: team of residents working with the HOA,
1. Get to a veterinarian immediately – do • domestic dogs being walked have in the last two-and-a-half years
not wait to see if symptoms improve. • small children who may pick up food or neutered more than 40 feral cats and
2. If possible, bring the suspected bait or granules rehomed more than 40 kittens. Their
vomit sample; this can help confirm the • a person handling it incorrectly work helps ensure a healthier, stable
poison. • wild birds and other wildlife living within population and reduces nuisance issues
3. Do not try home remedies. Feeding your Silver Lakes associated with unmonitored colonies.
pet milk or salt, or inducing vomiting
may waste precious time or make things Community action and reporting If you would like to discourage ferals from
worse. If you have any information about these entering your property, it’s important
4. Quick veterinary treatment can incidents, please send an urgent email to: for you to know that simple, harmless
sometimes save a poisoned animal, but • security@silverlakes.co.za deterrents work best, such as spraying
every minute counts. • Reports can be made anonymously. them lightly with water or using scent
• All information will be treated with the repellents. Poison is never the answer.
strictest confidentiality.
A call for kindness and vigilance
The HOA is treating this matter with the Silver Lakes is a community known for its
utmost seriousness. An investigation is beauty, wildlife and sense of safety. Let
ongoing, and legal consequences under the us not allow acts of cruelty to undermine
Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 may apply. this. By remaining vigilant, reporting
This act states that any person who exposes suspicious behaviour and supporting
poison in a manner that endangers animals humane animal management, we can
is guilty of an offence, punishable by fines or protect both our pets and our shared
imprisonment of up to 12 months. environment.

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