For over a decade, Fallen Angels Pet Rescue in Melkbosstrand has been a beacon of hope for abandoned and neglected animals. After a recent zoning decision by the City of Cape Town has placed the rescue centre in jeopardy, they are now appealing to the public to help raise funds for their “fur”-ever home.
Founded by Gayl Basson, Shireen Williams, and the late Lilian Williams, the organisation has provided a safe and loving refuge for countless animals, extending its compassionate reach beyond Melkbosstrand to areas like Table View and Milnerton. TygerBurger reported last year (“Fallen Angels Pet Rescue in Melkbosstrand forced to vacate site”, 14 November 2024) the future of this vital sanctuary is now at risk.
On 1 November 2024, after investing over two and a half years and nearly R250 000 in compliance efforts, the organisation received word from the City of Cape Town that their application for a Special Consent Use Permit had been denied.
The property’s proximity to the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, within a regulated 5km zone, makes the rescue centre ineligible for its intended use. The City’s decision has left Fallen Angels Pet Rescue with no option but to vacate its current location.
Basson says they were told to appeal, but the property owner has put the farm on the market to sell in the meantime, “as it is a beautiful and close-by location for farming so perfect for agricultural uses. We currently await feedback from our appeal,” Basson says.
New shelter plans
Through all the uncertainty and waiting for news on their appeal, Fallen Angels has new shelter plans underway on a smaller property in Langebaanweg on the West Coast.
“Before any building starts we are applying for Special Consent Use with the Saldanha Municipality. If approved this will be our base camp. We will still help all the areas we currently work in and host our adoption and sterilisation drives. Planning and transport might take a little longer but we will never let the animals in need down,” Basson says.
In the meantime, they are trying to fundraise for the move and also for building materials to build new camps for the animals.
They are appealing to the public to help donate in the form of money, or materials for building like poles, cement slabs, shade cloth and roofing materials.
For more information send an email to info@fallenangels.org.za or donate via their back-a-buddy campaign.
