24-05-2025
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!
