“If the residents of Benoni are dissatisfied with the management of their local SPCA, they need to do something about it, however, to get onto the local committee you have to be a member and wait a year,” said Mills.
“To become a member you have to be recommended by someone who already is a member.
“There is the problem: anyone they do not like, they will block.”
At the time when she asked for membership, Mills had threatened to approach the Minister of Agriculture (she said the Act falls under him) and the Constitutional Court, if membership was to be refused without an objective reason.
She called for a public meeting, to be attended by the Benoni SPCA, where they could answer questions the public might have regarding the society and its membership policy.
The society denied her findings, saying that anyone can become a member, after being screened and accepted by the management committee.
The NSPCA sent a copy of the Model Constitution, which must be adhered to by all SPCAs.
“Should any application be refused, a copy of the application shall be submitted to the NSPCA, endorsed with the reason for the refusal and such applicant shall be advised by the society that they have the right to appeal in writing to the NSPCA, whose decision will be final,” the document stated in section four.
Additionally, the Benoni SPCA and the constitution stated that any person can serve on the management committee of the Benoni SPCA, provided that they have been nominated by a member of 12 months or more, in good standing.
“A member can only vote if they have been a member for more than three months,” the society said.
Mills said even though she often criticises the society, she strongly believes they should be given a chance to offer their side of the debate.
She felt many community members attack the SPCA, but not everyone is willing to become involved themselves, and said the work done at the kennels is thankless and should be appreciated more.
The society added that even non-members can attend their annual general meetings and that a public meeting to discuss the policy is unnecessary, as it can be explained at reception.
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