Animals to be euthanised after distemper outbreak
According to the NSPCA, the committee chose to ignore the advice provided by the in-house veterinarian and the NSPCA; choosing to rather attend to matters in their way without the necessary qualifications.
The Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA was called on to assist after a distemper outbreak at the Alberton SPCA premises.
On August 7 the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) intervened after numerous complaints were received from members of the public and surrounding veterinarians regarding sick dogs at the Alberton SPCA.
In a statement, the NSPCA said the Alberton SPCA was experiencing a distemper outbreak and the facility was unable to adequately isolate dogs and prevent the spread of the disease.
Concerns were also raised for the animals the facility continued to take in.
The NSPCA Society Liaison Unit called meetings with the elected management committee, staff and in-house veterinarian to discuss the situation and to find solutions to solve the problem.
“Some members of the management committee for the Alberton SPCA, including the chairperson, have failed to act responsibly in this regard and continued to accept dogs into the SPCA’s care. Sick dogs cannot adequately be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease. Reports of sick dogs being adopted from the society were also received,” the NSPCA said in a statement.
According to the NSPCA, the committee chose to ignore the advice provided by the in-house veterinarian and the NSPCA; choosing to rather attend to matters in their way without the necessary qualifications.
“As the situation is dire, we have had no option but to arrange for the humane euthanasia of the infected dogs as the society is unable financially to treat the dogs nor are they able to keep the infected dogs isolated,” the NSPCA said.
The organisation added that it is working closely with the in-house veterinarian in order to bring the outbreak under control and not to infect any more dogs unnecessarily.
“Dogs which have valid vaccination certificates will be monitored and will not be euthanised and a national senior inspector will ensure that these dogs are not euthanised, unless they show symptoms of the highly contagious disease,” the NSPCA said.
As a result of the incident, some members of the Alberton SPCA management committee resigned and stated that funding will be withdrawn from the society.
“This course of action is highly irresponsible at a time when the SPCA requires the management committee to lead the society through this crisis by finding workable solutions to prevent a recurrence in future. Also, withdrawing much needed funding will only impact negatively on the animals,” the NSPCA said.
The NSPCA also express its thanks to the Bedfordview and Germiston SPCA which undertook to admit all stray and unwanted animals during the period that the Alberton SPCA is under quarantine.
