A woman’s greatest love is animals
MULDERSDRIFT – Passion for animals, dedication, determination and discipline brought Mandy Cattanach to where she is today.
Established in 1945, the Roodepoort SPCA is led by a friendly and dedicated woman Mandy Cattanach, a Muldersdrift resident.
She is the voice of pets, manager and senior inspector who joined the SPCA in 1990.
She was just a kennel supervisor when she started.
Her passion for animals, dedication, determination and discipline brought this former horses trainer to where she is today.
“I love animals because they do not judge and they love unconditionally,” she said.
Cattanach explained that what she loves about the SPCA is that it provides her with the authority to remove animals from cruel and abusive situations, prosecute the abusers and get justice for the animals.
“I am able to be their voice. My passion has always been animals,” she added.
When asked about her favourite animal, she replied, “Sjoe, that is a difficult one, cats.”
She owns four cats, Ying, Angel, Ruzzie and Fluff.
“I also have four dogs Skyle, Seth, Sparta and Demon,” she said.
Cattanach added that all the animal cases she ever attended, were all terrible but one that really got to her was the recent Greyhound case.
“A member of the public filmed a man beating a dog with a knobkierie, causing brain trauma; the animal’s wailing is something I will never forget, the poor animal was left to suffer for four days until we confiscated the dog,” explained Cattanach.
She further said that other dogs were petrified of people and were kept in the most horrendous conditions – no food or water.
When asked if there’s a good relationship between animals and human beings, she replied, “20 per cent of the human race, yes; 80 per cent, no.”
Cattanach manages about 110 dogs and 64 cats in the kennels and 23 employees.
At the centre, there are two receptionists, two senior inspectors, one inspector, one trainee inspector, two drivers, one kennel supervisor, four kennel assistants, one cattery assistant, one general cleaner, a book keeper, one charity shop lady, three veterinarians, three animal welfare assistance, two hospital receptionists and two hospital cleaners.
She said all the animals at the centre are up for adoption.
“If the animal is a stray animal, it becomes available for adoption after the pound period of 96 hours is up. The 96 hours is so the owner has a chance to reclaim their pet,” explained Cattanach.
She concluded, “We are the pound for all animals – small and large, we have the facilities.”
Related articles
Roodepoort SPCA manager explains pet adoption
Cats are treated well at the Roodepoort SPCA
Research before you adopt a pet
