Wholesaler outraged at Cattanach’s statement
Wholesalers might be affected by SPCA comments, says marketing and sales manager.
A sales and marketing manager from a big pet accessory wholesaler is very upset about Mandy Cattanach, Roodepoort SPCA manager and inspector’s seemingly “lopsided” comment about supporting pet shops, as reported on 11 July.
Wayne McKay, Sales and Marketing Manager for Wilgo Enterprises that deals in pet products and accessories, contacted the Record with his complaint. This follows previous Record reports of Cattanach saying that residents should not “even buy any accessories or foods from the pet shops that [they] disagree with”.
In the Record’s recorded conversation with Cattanach for the particular article, the manager commented on current SPCA dealings with the West Rand Pet and Bird Farm.
“You should not support any pet shop,” she explained, “as there exists no need for one in your area.”
“If you support a pet shop, you are supporting puppy and kitten trade.”
McKay believes that these comments “are totally uncalled for.
“Having a problem with one particular pet shop and taking it out on the industries of animal trade and animal products is, to me, completely unacceptable.
“It is this sort of comment that will have residents moving away from buying legitimate products from pet shops, thus jeopardising our company’s imports and the businesses of others.”
McKay told the Record that he had approached Cattanach with his complaint and that she denied the quotes, saying that “it was misprinted [sic]”.
“I am surprised that no other law-abiding pet shop owners, wholesalers or distributors have given their comment on this subject yet,” McKay stated as his closing argument.
