Residents disgusted at Roodepoort SPCA

In a matter of two days the Record received two complaints about the lack of service at the Roodepoort/ Maraisburg SPCA located in Nadine Street.

After a Record journalist approached manager Mandy Cattanach about their reputation in the community and unclear SPCA hospital hours, her response was a mere sentence on the matter, stating “unfortunately there will always be members of the public who are not satisfied with our service as we place the animals’ best interest above all else” [sic].

In communication Cattanach also confirmed that two staff members have left the society and that the branch’s previous media and communication officer does not work there any longer.

Her comment on the complaints seems to contradict the two letters addressed to the Record that were received on 14 and 15 January.

“I am utterly disgusted, in fact I’m angry at the attitude of the Roodepoort SPCA regarding the neglect of animals,” one resident wrote.

“On two occasions I have shared with them the plight of two large dogs that seem to have been left behind on the now-vacant premises of 152 Progress Road in Reefhaven/ Lindhaven.”

The resident explained in the letter that the two animals have been living in dreadful conditions and that a retired couple had taken it upon themselves to feed the dogs.

“Despite help from other residents in the neighbourhood, this couple can not afford to continue caring for the dogs.”

Being ignored left the resident so shocked that he wrote, “so we learn from our mistakes”.

“I have made a point of supporting the organisation with monetary and other donations, but Roodepoort SPCA will not get a cent from me ever again.”

The previous letter from P Cloete detailed a similar experience at the SPCA hospital in Maraisburg, where she allegedly was refused treatment for her dog because the staff wanted to go home at 1pm (she arrived at the hospital at approximately 12.30pm). Cloete also concluded that the years during which she and her family have supported the society is now a thing of the past.

Read her letter to the Record and the second resident’s letter here.