MANY readers of OUR CATS were touched by the feature on Wasanthi, the Cat lady of Sri-Lanka in our 25 January issue.
We have since been contacted by Kim Cooling of the charity Animal SOS Sri-Lanka, thanking us for running the feature and thanking the many readers who have sent donations or pledged support to help the charity and the Cat Lady.
Kim has also provided us with an update in Wasanthi’s situation and how she and her beloved stray cats need our help more than ever at this time.
Kim says:
‘The situation has deteriorated for the Cat Lady. Hostilities with the neighbours have escalated. We have heard recently that they have now brought more rubble and sand and closed a small entrance where the Cat Lady was squeezing her way in and out from. She is now completely enclosed in and has to climb over the fence to get in and out of the area.
We have arranged for people to take her food and supplies, but these visitors are now being threatened and chased away by the neighbours who have become very jealous that this poor lady is being helped by outsiders.
Because of the situation, a leading Human Rights Lawyer was called in and she visited the Cat Lady but was also threatened by the neighbours. She will be taking up her cause and has warned the neighbours that if any harm should befall the Cat Lady, she will take action against them. She will be speaking to other lawyers about the case.
It seems the police do not want to assist and the Wasanthi is afraid of being evicted if they become involved.
We have explored renting a place for the Cat Lady, but due to the stigma attached to her skin condition Vitiligo, few people would be willing to rent to her.
The Lawyer is looking into the possibility of renting some land and a small dwelling nearby and if this is possible, we will fund this arrangement.
Meanwhile there are three Land Monitors in the enclosed area endangering the lives of her animals. Two flea and tick ridden pups were taken by the lawyer -both were unwell with possible tick fever, and were taken to the vets. We have no further news to date about them. People dump animals near the Cat Lady and two pups were recently found by her.
Before recent events, we have started to neuter/spay some of the cats with the funds raised, but the Cat Lady is worried about leaving her animals because of the Land Monitors, so we have sent further funds for a large cage for the cats to protect them from the predators. Funds have also been sent for a full health check for the Cat Lady as well as clothes, food and other supplies.
A pair of Wellington boots is also on their way to Sri Lanka for the Cat Lady as she has requested these because her feet are swollen and sore from walking in the polluted water.
The situation is now desperate and we still do not have enough funds for a refuge and clinic.
The Cat Lady has stated that she will only be happy living with us as she feels she will always be victimised in a society that has shunned her.
Be assured we are doing our utmost to help her in the meantime although the situation is extremely difficult. We are pleased that a top Human Rights Lawyer is now involved in the case. However, we urgently require funds to enable us to continue helping this desperate lady.
Please continue to support the Cat Lady of Sri Lanka, having given so much herself, surely we can help give her a future living in safety with her children and animals.’
* If YOU can send a donation to help Wasanthi the Cat Lady of Sri Lanka and help Animal SOS Sri Lanka continue their much needed, vital work for the unwanted animals of Sri Lanka, please contact Kim Cooling at the charity as soon as possible.
Contact Details: 'Animal SOS Sri Lanka', 483, Green Lanes, Palmers Green, London N13 4BS. Reg. Charity No: 1119902. Website: www.animalsos-sl.com
