OUDTSHOORN’s own “Crazy Cat Lady”, Lee-Ann van Sittert has been working tirelessly for the past eight years to improve the lives of all kinds of animals in the Little Karoo.
Lee-Ann was the founder of the Oudtshoorn Volunteers for Animals, that merged with ACT SA (Animal Care Team) in June 2018.
ACT SA has spent R155 183, all derived from donations, in the past financial book year ending in March 2019 on sterilisations alone.
“Every cent we receive in donations go towards our sterilisation fund, sometimes we have to pitch in from our own pockets when funds are low,” says Lee-Ann.
The goal of the organisation is to sterilise at least 1 000 animals per year in towns such as Oudtshoorn, De Rust, Calitzdorp and the outlying farming areas. They even went as far as Willowmore to host a Spay-a-Thon, where more that 100 animals were sterilised in one day.
Apart from driving animals up and down for sterilisations, Lee-Ann also owns the Oudtshoorn Cat Hotel, which she operates from her home.
“I started the rescue centre around eight years ago, initially keeping the cats in my house, but we eventually outgrew the house and had to build a nice big enclosure outside for them.”
Lee-Ann dreams about opening her own cat hotel one day (hence the name) where cats can come and visit when their owners go on holiday.
Her day is filled with animals. When she’s not saving one, you’ll find her at the Kango Veterinary Clinic, where she has been working for the past six years. “People often bring me boxes full of kittens at the vet, asking me to find them good homes,” says Lee-Ann.
Although she has been bitten and scratched many times by cats, especially the feral ones, she says she has a real soft spot for them. “There is a common misperception that cats can look after themselves by catching mice and insects. This is not true as they need the same care and love as dogs.”
But she adds she loves all kinds of animals. “We have helped rabbits, geese, an angora goat, pigs and even a monkey. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, ACT SA is here to help anyone.”
Although she is originally from Cape Town, Le-Ann has been living in Oudtshoorn for the past 20 years.
When she started Oudtshoorn Volunteers for Animals eight years ago, she didn’t only take care of animals, but also handed out food and blankets to the elderly in the cold winter months. She truly has a giving and loving heart.
“For as long as I can, I will keep on helping and saving animals.
“To me, the most rewarding feeling is to know that I’ve made a difference in an animal’s life. I really don’t mind being called Oudtshoorn’s Crazy Cat Lady.”
For more information or donations, phone Lee-Ann on 083 334 0172.
• ACT SA’s financial statements can be viewed on their facebook page, www.facebook.com/animalcareteamsa. (Deur Angelique Erasmus)
