“I have nothing to hide” — Glenn Hatfield
Glenn Hatfield, owner of the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm, sheds some light on SPCA investigations.
After concerns were raised about the state of the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm, owner Glenn Hatfield commented on the “ongoing process and responsibility” of owning such a business.
It all seems to have started with the Beauty without Cruelty protest in front of the pet and pet supplies shop earlier in the year, from which time the Record has been following the developments.
At the time, photographic evidence – as it was labelled – poured onto the Record‘s desk pertaining to the continuous bad state of the establishment the residents were complaining about. With that in mind, the Record set out to find the truth – comment was obtained from all sides – and question why, if it were true that animals were suffering, the SPCA had not taken more serious measures.
“To run a pet shop, pet farm and aviary is no joke – it is a continuous responsibility and one that I take seriously,” Hatfield said, explaining that he is not only the owner of the business but also a bird breeder and animal caregiver in his private life.
“We do have regular unscheduled visits from the SPCA, as I believe is the normal procedure.
“I always have been positive about the SPCA’s comments and constructive criticism because caring for animals is an ongoing process and can always be improved.
“I always say, if you want to come around, mine is an open door. I have nothing to hide.”
Hatfield told the Record about the SPCA’s inputs and the improvements that were made on their recommendation. He said that the SPCA, on their visits, check that no animal is sick or in pain, that there is enough, suitable food for every animal and that the lighting is appropriate.
“We have put in new UV-lighting for the bearded dragons and on the SPCA’s request, moved some of our snakes to bigger enclosures.
“We are busy installing ceiling fans in the reptile room for next summer.”
Hatfield was slightly hostile about previous media reports on his business and said, “It makes no sense [for him] to buy an animal that [he] can’t take care of.
“This is a lot of responsibility.”
