INLSA
Georgie, aka Thomas, the rescued kitten.
Cat lover Juliette Botha is anxiously awaiting the moment she is reunited with a rescued kitten – she gave it up for adoption, but then wanted it back – after a Durban High Court judge ruled in her favour yesterday.
Botha, a professor employed part-time at the University of KwaZulu Natal and a member of Kitten Action, was given a kitten which had been rescued on the KZN South Coast in April last year. She took care of the kitten she named “Georgie”, bottle-fed him and paid his vet’s bills.
She then allowed Road Traffic Inspectorate officer Duane Scott and his family to adopt the kitten as she was assured that they were “ardent animal lovers”.
However, in May last year Botha had a change of heart and asked for the kitten to be returned to her, but Scott refused, as he said his children had grown fond of the animal.
Months later, Botha brought a high court application, which was adjourned indefinitely, asking for the cat to be returned.
In her papers Botha said she should have heeded her “inner voice” regarding keeping the kitten, and that during her one visit to the Scotts she had left with a “heavy heart”.
She claimed in her affidavit that she feared for the kitten’s safety and that he might be maltreated or abused.
Scott could not be reached for comment yesterday, but in an interview with The Mercury in November last year, he said Botha’s allegations were unfounded. He said that the kitten, which they had named “Thomas”, was part of the family and adored by his children.
Yesterday the matter, which had been placed back on the court roll, came before Judge King Ndlovu, and he ruled that the kitten be returned to Botha after he was told that the Scotts had not filed any opposition to the application and were not present in court.
Judge Ndlovu did not make any order as to the costs of the application.
Speaking to The Mercury after being told of the court’s decision, an ecstatic Botha said she was thrilled. “I cannot believe it; it’s marvellous news. This matter has caused my husband and me such emotional strain. So I will be delighted to have the kitten back with me.”
Botha said she did not think the kitten would find it difficult to adjust to living with her. “I have two other cats and when he was here he formed a close bond with them. So I don’t think it will be a problem.”
Botha’s attorney, Tashya Giyapersad, said her office would work as quickly as possible to have the animal returned to her client.
