Almost every week I see adverts in the newspaper to adopt a dog from the SPCA and we thought we might give it a chance seeing that our dog passed away and we needed another dog.
We were informed of the procedure of the adoption and were then told that we need to sterilise all the other dogs on our property as well.
When I asked the woman why that was necessary, she said it just saves unnecessary costs should dogs come in and attack your dog.
I asked her what would happen if we don’t want to do this and she said we will then not be able to adopt.
I mean really, you are basically advertising dogs that need a home.
I want to give a dog a home but then there are terms and conditions.
So I phoned the Brakpan SPCA and that rule does not apply to them.
If I decide on adopting a dog, surely I know of everything that can happen and if I take it upon myself I accept the risk that goes along with adopting.
Poor dogs even gets punished in the SPCA, not cool.
Janet Keiser.
n In line with national SPCA policy, all SPCAs will soon be following the same procedure.
This requirement is in line with being a responsible pet owner.
While we do not suggest that the complainant is not a responsible pet owner, clearly she loves her animals, responsible pet ownership includes sterilisation.
It is the right thing to do in an epidemic of unwanted litters.
Sterilisation helps eliminate problems that arise from animals not being sterilised, for example howling, roaming, fighting, and unwanted pups and kittens.
Even the most dedicated pet owners cannot be 100% vigilant, and a sterilised pet makes for a happy pet, a happy owner, and happy neighbours.
Our focus is on the greater good of all animals and an absolute commitment to responsible pet ownership.
Sadly, funding does not permit us to set up a comprehensive sterilisation outreach programme.
I hope this explains our policy in this regard.
Jenny Halvatzis,
Springs SPCA committee member.
