A beautiful male caracal was reported as injured in the Hout Bay area this week, with fears it had been attacked by dogs. The Wildlife Department of the Cape of Goodhope SPCA (CoGH SPCA) responded to what they thought was an exciting opportunity to work with one of Cape Town’s most elusive animals but it turned out to be a sad occasion.

Inspector Edward Julius arrived on scene to capture the cat and quickly realised it could not move its back legs.

“The caracal was admitted to our Animal Hospital where SPCA veterinarian Dr. Middleton sedated the caracal to examine the injuries and noted a fracture just behind the head (C1) and C1-C2 dislocation. While awaiting the X-ray results the caracal was administered with anti-inflammatories to alleviate any pain and discomfort,” SPCA spokesperson Tara McGovern said. “Sadly the X-rays revealed that the neck was broken and the decision was made to humanely euthanise the caracal.”

While the SPCA wishes the caracal could have made a full recovery, it has expressed gratitude to the members of the public who contacted the Wildlife Department.”Thanks to their call Inspector Julius was able to ensure this animal was not left to suffer,” McGovern said.