Germiston Bedfordview SPCA responds to euthanisation allegations

Breeding neglect, the dumping of unwanted animals and irresponsible pet owners are to blame for the overpopulation of animals.

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“Euthanising a healthy animal is heartbreaking, and we refuse to accept that we do so happily,” said the branch chairperson, Roxanne Bredenkamp, in the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA’s response to allegations of euthanising animals identified for adoption and complaints from residents about adoption challenges.

An article published by Bedfordview and Edenvale News on May 10 detailed residents’ allegations.

The SPCA further stated that recent “negativity and accusations” have harmed the branch.

Bredenkamp said they are legally obliged to admit every animal brought into the branch.

“It’s difficult to comprehend why our staff, who are at the forefront of preventing animal cruelty, are labelled as ‘murderers’, ‘heartless’ and ‘uncaring’.

“Euthanasia is a sensitive subject, but no one considers the number of animals in our care.

“This is the reality the staff face and why we accept that humane euthanasia is necessary,” explained Bredenkamp.

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According to Bredenkamp, their mandate is the prevention of cruelty to animals, and the long-term confinement of an animal is cruel.

Some residents continue to lambast the branch for “failing” animals.

“Convincing someone to save an animal from being put to sleep is irresponsible and puts the long-term welfare of the animal at risk. Each situation is dealt with compassionately and caringly,” said Bredenkamp.

According to the branch, a stray animal is kept for seven days before being put up for adoption.

Bredenkamp said the allegations of putting animals to sleep that had homes to go to are baseless.

“There is an adoption procedure to follow, and until the paperwork is complete, a home check is approved, and the animal is sterilised, microchipped and vaccinated.

“I ask the critics, what are we meant to do when facing situations where we simply do not have the space?

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“As a community of animal lovers, we plead with you to assist us because we do the best we can with limited resources,” said Bredenkamp.

She added that the branch is understaffed, needs more vehicles and struggles to pay bills.

“Support us by being part of the solution, not the problem. If any members of the public would like to assist in raising funds, please contact us.”

The branch can be contacted on 082 675 0072.

NSPCA responds:

NSPCA spokesperson Keshvi Nair explained that each SPCA branch operates with complete autonomy and is responsible for its day-to-day business activities.

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The NSPCA ensures that its member societies comply with the SPCA Act no 169 of 1993 and the rules of the Act.

These rules were voted on and agreed upon by the NSPCA’s member societies.

Nair said Germiston Bedfordview SPCA is one of many struggling to make ends meet.

“They could, in future, face the real risk of being the next SPCA forced to close due to a lack of financial and community support,” said Nair.

“Sadly, euthanasia is a reality for all SPCAs. While ‘slow-kill’ shelters are afforded the ‘opportunity’ to turn animals away once their kennels are at full capacity, the SPCA does not,” said Nair.

She echoed Bredenkamp in reminding residents that the SPCA accepts all unwanted, sick, stray, and injured animals.

“If those animals are not admitted and are turned away, they face fates far worse than a humane death.

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“Simply because euthanasia is done by SPCAs does not mean the rumours and allegations are true.

“Thousands of South Africans have adopted members of their families from an SPCA, and this flies in the face of allegations that SPCAs ‘euthanise all animals’,” said Nair.

“Despite the battle to make ends meet, the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA continues to use the little they have to combat animal cruelty within its area and sustain the animals kept under its care.

“This is all the more reason for the Germiston and Bedfordview communities to support their SPCA,” said Nair.

She said complaints about the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA could be sent to the NSPCA liaison unit.
Call the National Council on 011 907 3590.