Initially the grounds had a small number of stray cats that kept away pests like mice and rats. Their numbers have increased at an alarming rate over the years. One female cat can produce at least nine kittens per year. The effects on the environment can be disturbing, because they catch and eat birds. The cats themselves also suffer. Their coats are in a sad state, ridden with ticks and fleas, their eyes are dull and their noses runny; and they usually experience other health issues.
As part of Gallagher's social responsibility initiatives, they have started a project to capture these unfortunate creatures. Once captured, they are surgically sterilised to avoid future unwanted kittens and treated by a veterinarian. The kittens that are caught are immediately given a new home, after sterilisation and treatment. Older cats will be released back onto the grounds.
“It is unfortunate that this situation has elevated to the proportions it has reached,” says Adolf Venter, acting Managing Director of Gallagher. “No cat deserves to be subjected to these kinds of circumstances. Gallagher Convention Centre is set on rectifying the situation. We have started feeding the cats daily. We will also monitor them closely from now on and give them the care that they need.”
