Fallen Angels: Creatures in Limbo
As a co-founder of Fallen Angels Pet Rescue, Gayl Basson and her team have provided care for countless dogs, cats, and farm animals in distress, rescuing them from the Cape Flats and throughout Cape Town.
Nevertheless, recent hurdles, particularly a forced move and local government regulations, pose a threat to her ability to sustain this crucial work, potentially endangering the lives of many animals under her care.
The rescue center, which has been located in Melkbosstrand for over a decade, received shocking news two years ago when the City of Cape Town mandated Gayl to apply for a Special Consent Use Permit to maintain the shelter’s operations.
She anticipated that the approval would be a straightforward process, but in November this year, the application was denied.
The city’s primary concern centered on the shelter’s closeness to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station.
A heartbroken Gayl expressed, “The effort, time, and resources we poured in felt completely wasted.”
The rescue center was ordered to relocate within just three months, along with their 350 animals.
Gayl figured that Langebaan would be the ideal alternative since her family owns land there, but she finds the logistics of transporting animals and constructing new facilities quite overwhelming.
The City informed Gayl that they could not provide assistance with the relocation unless she formally contested the decision.
She added, “This is what we did, mainly to buy ourselves more time. I understand the significance of being so near to the power station, so I realize that relocating is the best choice, but time is what we truly need.”
In light of these challenges, the rescue center has been compelled to stop taking in new animals.
To gather funds for the move, Gayl and her team are organizing a Sunday market where visitors can meet the animals, contribute donations, and learn about the center’s efforts.
The Network for Animals, which operates in 24 countries across five continents and offers financial and logistical support to animal shelters and organizations, is also fundraising on behalf of Fallen Angels.
The City clarified that the owner received a notice to submit the necessary applications to regularize the center’s operations, as the property is within a 5km radius of the Koeberg Nuclear Plant’s emergency zone.
The City stated: “The land use application process has not yet been completed, considering the applicant has submitted an appeal. Whether to relocate or not will depend on the outcome of the appeal.”
[email protected]
Daily Voice