Zoning laws leave Fallen Angels Pet Rescue destitute: Can you help them relocate?
Located in Melkbosstrand since 2010, not far from Koeberg Power Station, the organisation's location has been deemed unsuitable - they now have three months to evacuate and relocate.
Pippa Hudson speaks to Gayl Basson, who established Fallen Angels Pet Rescue.
Fallen (Forgotten, Abandoned/Abused, Lost, Lonely, Emaciated and Neglected) Angels Pet Rescue is in danger of closure due to a zoning decision by the City of Cape Town.
Located in Melkbosstrand, not far from Koeberg Power Station - it is this proximity which has apparently caused it to be deemed unsuitable for the land’s current zoning – despite having operated there since 2010.
Basson explains that the organisation was started by Sherine and the late Lilian Williams around 2010 after the three of them worked with other animal rescue organisations.
Seeing how often these organisations were in 'absolute chaos and evicted from land,' Basson along with her family bought some land in Melbosstrand to make sure they could never be evicted while rescuing animals.
"I was told that because it was zoned agricultural and over 20 hectares, I was told that it would be completely safe. I was aware that Koeberg was there but I also had no idea about being within the five kilometre radius of a possible rezoning zone and how it could affect us or our animals... but I was never informed that it would become a problem."
- Gayl Basson, - Owner - Fallen Angels Pet Rescue
It wasn't until Basson was sent a compliance notice/warning on 22 March 2022 about illegal activity on the premises when she first became aware that the organisation needed to apply for the permit to continue to run the animal rescue.
Following the notice, Basson explains that she went ahead and applied for the 'Special Consent Use' permit which was declined.
"We didn't think we would be declined because we're not a profitable business, we serve the community around us... and it all came to a head Friday last week [1 November] when our application was refused."
- Gayl Basson, - Owner - Fallen Angels Pet Rescue
The City has now formally denied an application for a 'Special Consent Use' permit, meaning that they have no choice but to vacate the premises after the organisation has spent almost R250 000 on trying to become legally compliant for the past two and a half years.
The organisation wishes to carry on their life-saving work which is to save and improve the living conditions of animals in their immediate surroundings, while maintaining their rehabilitation.
This means Basson is faced with the difficult task of finding a new location within three months, if their application for extension is not approved.
All this will come at a cost which is why the organisation is asking you for help.
Feel free to donate towards the cost of dismantling and relocating their infrastructure to a new location, transporting 300 animals or by adopting some of them.
Head to Fallen Angels' website to learn more on how to donate.