SPCA comes under fire

Karin Joubert made these allegations following a recent incident in which three dogs were attacked by two others at a property adjacent to her house.

It is believed the two dogs jumped over the fence and into the yard, where they started attacking the three dogs.

Joubert says she telephoned the SPCA when the injured dogs started howling in pain.

“I went outside to see what was going on and couldn’t see the dogs, but heard them crying,” she says.

While she couldn’t see exactly what was happening, she knew something was very wrong and informed the SPCA.

“It went on for almost an hour, I later saw the dogs running around the corner of the house and realised there were three dogs being attacked by two dogs from the neighbour’s house,” says Joubert.

She adds that one of the dogs looked like it was torn to shreds.

According to Joubert, she then called the SPCA again and claims she was told “someone is on the way”.

“I waited outside for a long time and they never arrived,” she says.

One of the dogs that had entered the property was later seen by Joubert jumping the fence and returning home, while the other was found in the yard by the owners when they arrived home.

Joubert says that one of the injured dogs had to be euthanised and another was taken to a vet.

The third dog was being looked after at home.

“The SPCA could have helped and maybe even saved the dog’s life,” says Joubert.

“I’ll never forget the way those dogs cried.”

Despite numerous attempts, the Addie was unable to speak to the owners of the animals.

Jenny Halvatzis, from the Springs SPCA committee, says the society is aware of the incident.

“Joubert contacted the SPCA and at the same time an ongoing and serious case of cruelty that was being investigated was coming to a point of resolution, with an opportunity to at last rescue the animal concerned,” says Halvatzis.

She adds that this case required a lengthy amount of time with police, as well as securing the availability of vets.

“The case culminated at 1.30am the following morning,” she says.

The regular afternoon schedule of animals being transported for veterinary attention was also in progress and, as a result, Joubert’s call was attended to as soon as possible under the circumstances.

Halvatzis says the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) is aware of the matter and is satisfied with the handling of the case.

“I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that the workload for the greater Springs area is enormous and there is a limited amount that can be done within 24 hours and that every effort is made to attend to every call.

“Complaints sometimes have to be prioritised as well,” Halvatzis concludes.

The SPCA responded to the complaint and went to the address.