SPCA digs in its own pocket

Manager at the Roodepoort SPCA, Mandi Cattanach explained that the organisation received complaints from individuals who were under the impression that the animal hospital is a government funded facility.

“Their understanding was based on a system whereby if an individual could not afford private medical fees/treatment, he/she simply went to a government hospital. This is not true with regard to animals. There are no government funded animal hospitals. The SPCA’s veterinary facility depends on public donations to keep our doors open and to help cruelly treated, abused and neglected animals.”

She further explained that the organisation pays out of its own pocket for their equipment and this includes servicing, repairs and replacement. Above this, they also pay for anaesthetic and X-ray machines plus medication for the animals.

“Costs also include salaries, rates, lights, water and cleaning which amounts to a considerable sum each month.

“Animals that are currently adopted from the SPCA are sterilised and fully vaccinated and we always make exceptions for sterilisation as this is taking a step toward solving the pet over-population problem and actively finding a long-term solution to so many animal welfare issues that stem from breeding,” concluded Cattanach.