Must SPCA supporters be higher or lower income earners?

EDITOR – Lower income or higher income?

Where or what is the dividing line?

I wouldn’t describe myself as destitute, but definitely not in the high income bracket. I’m referring to the vaccination clinic run by SPCA every month-end Friday from 9.30am to 11.30am which charges R200 per vaccination.

In January we managed to arrive on time, but sadly they ran out. We were told to come back end February. In February, I couldn’t make it on time and we were told telephonically that outside clinic hours, the vaccination would cost R300. I accepted, thinking I should support the SPCA, so phoned again before leaving to confirm they had stock.

My wife and I are 58 and 62-years-old respectively, with some health problems. Each time it’s a mission to control two dogs, who are small but anxious and energetic. On rendering their record of vaccinations, it was very traumatic to be told, for the first time, that vaccinations are for lower income people only.

The three-year-old had contracted cat flu at a young age before having been vaccinated. Dr Van Heerden, being closest to us, saved him from certain death and consequently also vaccinated him. It left us with a massive bill which we had to reduce on credit.

The SPCA’s reaction was ‘you could afford the vet once, so continue to. Quote: “They’re not allowed to take business from veterinaries. Sorry!”

Adopting an animal from SPCA, one actually needs to be in the higher income category. The price of R550 covers sterilisation/vaccines, R100 covers an inspection of your premises. Failing their requirements means no adoption takes place. Alas!

Many people support/donate to SPCA without any return to themselves. Personally we feel discriminated against.

Disappointed SPCA Supporters

Willem and Susan Rust

Response from SPCA

EDITOR – The SPCA can assist the public with veterinary services if they are pensioners, unemployed or on a low income, meaning a household earning R10,000 per month.

The SPCA is a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals, not a veterinary clinic.

Our end of month clinic is aimed at the low income and indigent community, and we are not here to take away the local vets’ clientele. Having animals does come with a price if they are sick and for their annual vaccinations so I suggest people think very hard before taking on an animal. Our local vets have worked very hard to become doctors and it makes me very angry when people moan and groan about vet fees, I see it every day on FB.

With regards to our adoptions, I disagree with the writer when he says people need to be in the higher income bracket. To adopt a large breed is R750, a small breed is R650 and a cat is R550 all inclusive of the R100 property inspection. This fee includes the sterilisation, vaccination, and treatment of ecto and endo-parasites. The SPCA still has to subsidise the adoptions as all this treatment is a lot more than our adoption fees but we cannot increase our fees as people will not opt to adopt. If we fail a property then it is for the benefit of the animal, as animal welfare is first and foremost.

We really do appreciate the support we get from the community and the only way we can give back is assisting where we can and we do try very hard.

TRACEY GIRLING

SPCA Manager