Shocking to say the least
A message from the Management of the Vereeniging & Vanderbijlpark SPCA:
This post is directed to the individual who phoned our office from an unknown number, refused to provide any identifying details, and proceeded to verbally abuse one of our staff members – a person simply trying to assist you. You claimed that the only thing our SPCA 'does well' is plead for donations on Facebook, and went further to say that we are 'useless' and only know how to kill innocent animals. These are deeply offensive and completely uninformed accusations, and we will not allow such harmful rhetoric to go unchallenged.
Let's set the record straight:
Not all SPCAs are the same. Comparing us to larger, urban SPCAs such as the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is unfair and misleading. Each SPCA operates independently, with different challenges, resources, and levels of community and municipal support. An SPCA is only as strong as the community and businesses that support it. In our area, we face additional hurdles due to:
-Limited financial resources -A high number of rescue centres who often refer excess cases to us — cases we are legally mandated to take, without the luxury of turning animals away.
-Non-responsive municipalities, which leave us burdened with duties outside our legal jurisdiction.
Our mandate is governed by the SPCA Act 169 of 1993 and the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. We deal with cases of cruelty and neglect. We do not have legal jurisdiction over municipal bylaws such as stray, nuisance, or barking animals. These concerns should be reported to the local municipality or SAPS in serious cases.
We do not have a veterinarian on staff.
Like most smaller SPCAs, we are not funded to provide medical treatment. For deworming, sterilisation, vaccination or treatment, a private vet must be consulted. In true emergencies where no help is available and an animal is suffering, we can offer only humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
The emotional toll of our work is immense. Our team witnesses heartbreaking cruelty and neglect regularly.
To then endure verbal abuse from members of the public is utterly demoralising. This behaviour is not only unacceptable, it drives away passionate, hardworking people who are trying to make a difference. None of the staff at any SPCA wants to euthanise any animal.
This heartbreaking burden is placed on our shoulders because of public irresponsibility
– irresponsible breeding, failure to sterilise pets, and careless 'Free to good home' giveaways.
While many are quick to blame breeders, the truth is that some households breed more animals than breeders, only to surrender them later because they can't afford their care. Yet somehow, there's always enough money for alcohol and cigarettes. Let that sink in. Owning a pet is a privilege, not a right.
A responsible pet owner:
-Researches their pet's needs and lifespan
-Budgets for grooming, sterilisation, vaccinations, and vet visits
-Understands the long-term commitment that comes with any animal Stop shifting the blame. The problem doesn't start with the SPCA it starts with irresponsible pet ownership
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Outpouring of grief following death of Cape Town school's headmaster
There has been an outpouring of grief, sympathy and condolences following the death of popular Fairmont High School headmaster, Leon Erasmus. He was 59. Several of Erasmus's previous schools where he taught, as well as schools in the area, also paid tribute. In a Facebook post, Fairmont High School in Durbanville in Cape Town wrote: Dear Fairmont High School Community, It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Headmaster, Mr. Leon Erasmus. Mr. Erasmus was a man of immense strength, integrity, and honour. He led our school with unwavering dedication and a deep sense of purpose, showing us – his family, our staff, students, and the wider community – what it truly means to fight. Fight for others. Fight for good. Fight for progress. And above all, fight to live. Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable leader and human being. But more than that, we celebrate a life that left a lasting mark on each of us. His legacy of courage, compassion, and excellence will continue to inspire Fairmont for years to come. While our hearts are saddened, we are deeply grateful to have had Mr. Erasmus lead us all. He was not only at the helm of our school; he was at the heart of it. His legacy will live on in the values he upheld and the lives he touched, his guidance, vision, and spirit will forever remain part of our fabric. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, daughters, son-in-law, grandson, mother and all loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We will share details of the celebration of his life, in due course. With respect and remembrance, Fairmont High School Post your condolences below, by … Leaving a comment below, or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Speech contestants showcase eloquence
The month of May was rather busy for the Department of Languages at Port Shepstone Secondary, as learners from Grades 8-12 prepared for the annual language speech contests. Learners competed in two categories – the prepared speech and the impromptu speech. These participants were well supported and eager for the rich experience, to develop and showcase their eloquence and speaking abilities. The school thanks the adjudicators and the coordinators for their time and valued expertise. HAVE YOUR SAY Like the South Coast Herald's Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Amanzimtoti residents push for attendance at peaceful march
A COMMUNITY united is one that sets aside its differences for a shared cause – today, residents of Ward 97 stood for the Amanzimtoti community at large to push for attendance in a peaceful march on June 7 against the homeless shelter being developed in Lower Illovo. Also read: Lower Illovo and neighbouring community hosts peaceful march Dalene Heath, of Toti Community Assist, an NPO instrumental in driving awareness of community meetings regarding the Sakhithemba Homeless Shelter, gathered her troupe of residents to Doonside, armed with placards and fliers. At the time of publishing, the residents were headed toward Winklespruit. Heath and co will be continuing to inform motorists and pedestrian passersby of the march. The march is set to commence at 07:30 from the R603 opposite Engen Bonamanzi Service Station, and it will end at the construction site. Dispersal time will be by 11:00. For more information contact the march convenor, Gopie Krishna Tagat, on 078 313 8831. For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox. Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
