SPCA responds to animal cruelty allegations

Maggie Mudd, NSPCA society liaison unit inspector, said the objective of the SPCA is the prevention of cruelty to animals and this is their primary and most important mandate.

“SPCAs are pro-life organisations, which means that although we, as a movement, are opposed to the humane euthanasia of healthy animals, we also accept that it is a necessity, due to overpopulation and uncontrolled breeding of domestic animals,” she explained.

“That is why the Benoni SPCA, and the SPCA movement as a whole, ensures that all animals leaving their premises are sterilised before adoption, as this is ultimately the only solution to prevent cruelty and end the necessity for euthanasia,

“We point out that the Benoni SPCA, along with eight other SPCA branches, have a responsibility to provide pound services for the Ekurhuleni area.”

According to Mudd, all abandoned, stray and unwanted animals, as well as victims of cruelty, are admitted to the SPCA, who may not refuse admittance to any species of animal.

She said this includes animals that are euthanased at the owner’s request and at the request of other animal welfare organisations and rescue group.

“SPCA inspectors are trained to euthanase any animal as part of their duties as an inspector when they must, sadly, but regularly euthanase sick, injured and abused animals to prevent further suffering,” Mudd said.

“The welfare of many animals admitted to SPCAs is already compromised, and although every effort is made to find safe and loving homes for all healthy animals — the SPCA will not compromise its standards by keeping animals incarcerated indefinitely whilst there is a continual influx of unwanted animals, or not adhere to strict adoption policies which ensure the lifelong well-being of any animal that is adopted,

“SPCAs do regularly work with other animal welfare organisations, but, obviously, other NPOs have differing objectives and cannot dictate the activities of the SPCA,” said Mudd.

She added that there is ample animal welfare-related work for all organisations dedicated to the prevention of cruelty and improved welfare of animals.

The City Times asked to view the Benoni SPCA’s euthanasia register, but was not permitted to do so.

“SPCAs do not release euthanasia statistics, as they are required to euthanase any animal in order to prevent suffering, which could include hundreds of farm animals involved in a traffic accident, chickens at an intensive farming facility or ensuring humane rodent control measures,” said Mudd.

“This is regularly reported in the media; we do not differentiate between species.”

“All sentient beings are capable of suffering and to release statistics would play into the hands of those who, for whatever reason, malign the work of the SPCA.”

She said she thought one has to question why persons or other organisations that are purportedly devoted to animal welfare would attempt to hamper the objectives of the SPCA.

“Animal welfare needs all the support it can get, whatever role an individual chooses to play,” she said, adding that there is more than enough work for all.

“We can confirm that 11 406 animals of all species were admitted, handled or inspected by the Benoni SPCA last year, and we do ask the community to consider who would have safeguarded these animals from cruelty, who would have confronted the perpetrators of cruelty without the SPCA?” asked Mudd.

She thanked the members and supporters of the Benoni SPCA who have come forward to establish the facts and offer assistance to the association.

“We have called on all concerned to put personal differences and agendas aside and work together in the interests of the Benoni SPCA and the animals we serve to protect from cruelty.” she concluded.