Don’t blame the SPCA [LETTER]
If you need to blame someone, blame those who keep breeding puppies and kittens, blame those who leave their pets behind, but please, don’t blame Toti SPCA. We are doing our best.
EDITOR – Where do I begin?
As much as we do receive support, we also receive a lot of flack. And we can’t really blame these people, as we know their berating of us comes from a place of lack of understanding. Many of you may hear things or see things written about us, and if you don’t understand our reasons, these things are undoubtedly horrifying!
So we just ask that you try to remember that we are people who love animals so much that we have dedicated our lives to animal welfare. Before passing judgement, come to us for explanation.
We are transparent, and will gladly take the time to answer any questions. But, I ask that you approach our staff with respect and an open mind.
A topic that many people have difficulty understanding is euthanasia. When they hear a healthy dog has been put to sleep, they are horrified. It is a difficult thing to wrap your head around.
In the month of May, 232 dogs were surrendered to our little SPCA alone. Take a moment to think about this. Some 200 people came into our SPCA reception in one month and said that they can’t keep their dog or puppy anymore. An additional 70 dogs came in as strays in the month of May. And I don’t even want to talk about the cats. It’s so hard to comprehend the scale of this problem without actually being the one behind the counter receiving these animals, but please try to imagine.
When an animal comes through our doors, they get taken to the stray block where we observe and assess their age, health and temperament. Some animals, especially older ones, don’t cope with being confined in the kennels.
Some come in with illnesses and terrible injuries, and some are not at all human friendly. We take all this into account, as well as available space and funds. Our decision to put an animal to sleep is not made lightly. But, sadly these decisions have to be made daily. Please try to understand the toll this takes on our staff.
As an SPCA, we don’t turn any animal away. If we did, imagine how many more would get abandoned and neglected. It’s a terribly difficult thing, but with the way things are at the moment in this country, euthanasia isn’t the worst fate. Sadly, it is the kindest option.
I know this is all very upsetting, but if you need to blame someone, blame those who keep breeding puppies and kittens, blame those who leave their pets behind, but please, don’t blame Toti SPCA. We are doing our best.
STACEY WALL
Amanzimtoti SPCA volunteer
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