Bones the starving dog had to be put down by the RandWest SPCA.
In March, the RandWest SPCA rescued Bones which was starved for months. They eventually assisted Bones in its recovery hoping that the dog would be adopted.
When Bones was ready to be adopted, SPCA manager René van Straten stated that an employee planned on adopting it. However, the employee was hospitalised and could not adopt Bones.
After that, the SPCA decided to post Bones’ adoption notice on Facebook.
• Read initial article here: Bones the starving dog needs donations
“There was no interest from anyone. No one wanted to adopt him,” Van Straten said.
Van Straten added that they could not handle seeing Bones sitting in its cage daily. She emphasised that they did not have the facilities to care for Bones any longer.
According to Van Straten, Bones’ situation was challenging. Bones was emaciated from malnutrition and had problems with its genitals. The dog had to gain enough health to undergo surgery. Although Bones had another setback after the operation, it persevered and recovered.
“Bones was in such a healthy condition. All of the SPCA employees loved him deeply,” Van Straten said.
Furthermore, Van Straten emphasised the importance of euthanasia She claimed that the SPCA takes in hundreds of animals per month and they do not have the space to accommodate each animal. Besides the lack of space, Van Straten also stated that they struggle with financial challenges.
She explained that the kennels are crowded and the employees are overworked. She added that the food and blankets for the animals run out quickly.
“It is very difficult for us and it is not a decision we take easily. We don’t believe that it is our fault that we take in so many animals daily. We have to make the decisions that are in the best interest of the animal. There are worse things that can happen out there than sending them over the rainbow calmly and with so much love,” she explained.
She further stated that they do not euthanise animals the moment they enter the building. She expressed that they try hard to find a loving home for the animals first.
She disclosed that the only solution to the matter was sterilising the animals.
“There are a lot of people who struggle to afford sterilisation, however, there are a lot of organisations willing to help these owners. Instead of buying a pet from a breeder, adopt a pet,” she said.
“As sad as it is, we know that Bones and every other animal is passing on with love and peace. We work and talk nicely with every animal to keep them calm and make sure their last moments are filled with as much love as possible. Bones was special, everyone stood and held him and gave him love,” Van Straten expressed.
