‘Animals’ at large in Los Balcones (Torrevieja)

A series of attacks have left cat lovers up in arms and wondering if the streets are safe for their kittys.

It is both the attackers and the victims who may be described as “animals” in a recent bout of brutal incidents in Complejo Terrace, Los Balcones (Torrevieja). This is the opinion expressed by British resident Kas Wells, who had a dreadful shock when she was woken early by a neighbour, to the news that her cat was lying in her garden injured.

Kas said that it quickly became obvious that the animal had been seriously hurt, possibly struck with something, and appeared to be struggling to stay alive.

After a long alleged “vendetta” against the cats and their owners, which had been launched by several neighbours living on the complejo, Kas was convinced that her cat had been hurt maliciously, explaining that it was the second attack that week, with a 9-week old ferrol kitten, who had made the estate its home, also being kicked and badly injured days earlier.

Kas and her daughter, Joanna, rushed their cat to the Vets  in San Miguel de Salinas, where she was examined and the vet confirmed the severity of her injuries, which included a blow to the back of the neck, which was likely to have been caused by a short, flat object.

She said she felt totally helpless as she watched the vet attach the cat to a monitor, where she was kept under close observation for 24-hours, and the chances of survival remained fragile.

She finally received the good news that the cat was recovering, and returned home, along with her beloved pet the following day.

Only days later, Kas reported that another attack took place on Complejo Terrace- this time on the same ferrol kitten. She said that she described its symptoms to the Vet, which included glazed eyes, sickness and lifelessness, who confirmed that it had been poisoned.

A neighbour took it in and nursed it back to health, and has now adopted it in a bid to protect it from future harm. However, Kas is not convinced that the move will deter its attackers, saying that “I have lived here for 5 years, and now have 3 cats.

There has always been an obvious hostility towards them, among certain inhabitants, with animals mysteriously going missing from here on more than one occasion.

She went on to say that “All of the cat owners living here now dread waking up in the mornings for fear of a repeat of the recent events. We are all scared to let the cats out of our sight, and panic if they are gone more than a few hours. But all cat owners will appreciate that this is what they do- they cannot be imprisoned indoors, it is not natural or healthy for them.”

Kas went on to explain that the incidents began following an email which was sent to the President of the community several weeks ago, complaining about the ferrol cats that had taken root there and demanding that something be done to have them removed.

The mother had been a regular visitor there for several years, being encouraged to return by holiday makers feeding and caring for her. She has had several litters on the complejo, including 5 kittens during 2010, and a litter of 3 in July.

However, with faeces being left around the pool area and gardens, a number of residents feel that enough is enough and have according to Kas, made it their “life’s mission” to make the complejo a cat free environment! “They are not shy in airing their views.

One man actually announced that if a cat does not have a collar than he will kick it to death! Its disgraceful.”

Kas said that she and fellow cat lovers understand the need to reduce the number of ferrols on the estate, and the reasons for the complaints, but cannot tolerate people taking the law into their hands and killing the cats by such brutal methods, especially when they have now began to target domestic pets as well!

She said that the issue has been presented before the President of the Community, who she believes is aware of who the culprits are but unwilling to take action against them.

Kas commented that “Britain is supposed to be a nation of animal lovers, so god knows what went wrong when these expats moved to Complejo Terrace!” She commended the work of the Spanish Vet however, saying that he treated her cat like a human, and appreciated the compassion that he showed throughout the ordeal.

Kas and friends are now calling out to anyone who can offer any advice, or perhaps know of an organization which would be happy to neuter the mother cat to prevent future litters.

She can be contacted via the facebook page http://www.facebook.com/losbalcones.spain

By Heidi Wardman
heidi@euroweeklynews.com