Shocking to say the least
This post is directed to the individual who phoned our office from an unknown number, refused to provide any identifying details, and proceeded to verbally abuse one of our staff members – a person simply trying to assist you. You claimed that the only thing our SPCA 'does well' is plead for donations on Facebook, and went further to say that we are 'useless' and only know how to kill innocent animals. These are deeply offensive and completely uninformed accusations, and we will not allow such harmful rhetoric to go unchallenged.
Let's set the record straight:
Not all SPCAs are the same. Comparing us to larger, urban SPCAs such as the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is unfair and misleading. Each SPCA operates independently, with different challenges, resources, and levels of community and municipal support. An SPCA is only as strong as the community and businesses that support it. In our area, we face additional hurdles due to:
-Limited financial resources -A high number of rescue centres who often refer excess cases to us — cases we are legally mandated to take, without the luxury of turning animals away.
-Non-responsive municipalities, which leave us burdened with duties outside our legal jurisdiction.
Our mandate is governed by the SPCA Act 169 of 1993 and the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. We deal with cases of cruelty and neglect. We do not have legal jurisdiction over municipal bylaws such as stray, nuisance, or barking animals. These concerns should be reported to the local municipality or SAPS in serious cases.
We do not have a veterinarian on staff.
Like most smaller SPCAs, we are not funded to provide medical treatment. For deworming, sterilisation, vaccination or treatment, a private vet must be consulted. In true emergencies where no help is available and an animal is suffering, we can offer only humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.
The emotional toll of our work is immense. Our team witnesses heartbreaking cruelty and neglect regularly.
To then endure verbal abuse from members of the public is utterly demoralising. This behaviour is not only unacceptable, it drives away passionate, hardworking people who are trying to make a difference. None of the staff at any SPCA wants to euthanise any animal.
This heartbreaking burden is placed on our shoulders because of public irresponsibility
– irresponsible breeding, failure to sterilise pets, and careless 'Free to good home' giveaways.
While many are quick to blame breeders, the truth is that some households breed more animals than breeders, only to surrender them later because they can't afford their care. Yet somehow, there's always enough money for alcohol and cigarettes. Let that sink in. Owning a pet is a privilege, not a right.
A responsible pet owner:
-Researches their pet's needs and lifespan
-Budgets for grooming, sterilisation, vaccinations, and vet visits
-Understands the long-term commitment that comes with any animal Stop shifting the blame. The problem doesn't start with the SPCA it starts with irresponsible pet ownership
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
31 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Recurring blockage of sewer on 11th Avenue will be fixed
Ward 107 councillor Floyd Ngwenya has confirmed that a blocked sewer on 11th Avenue, Alexandra, has been reported to Johannesburg Water (JW) and is set to be attended to on July 16. The announcement follows over a week of mounting complaints from residents grappling with the foul stench and hazardous waste. The blockage, located just metres away from Sanele Ndaba's store, has been a recurring issue. Ndaba said the drain first became clogged more than two weeks ago. 'I called JW to log a ticket and got a reference number. A few days later, Ngwenya came, escalated the matter, and it was fixed.' However, within 24 hours, the same sewer reportedly blocked again. Read more: Greenville residents slam unresponsive councillor as sewer crisis festers Nearby resident Patrick Khuphani confirmed the issue re-emerged quickly and remained unattended, prompting concerns among nearby residents. With sewage gushing into the street, visible faeces swirled in the stream and used tissues clung to the tar, creating an unhygienic environment that has impacted Ndaba's food business. 'It affects the customers because it is close to the store.' Resident Walter Matlou, who often escalates service delivery complaints, said he had notified Ngwenya again, but had received no feedback for four days. Despite this, Matlou expressed confidence in the councillor's usual responsiveness. On the day Alex News visited, the situation revealed deeper behavioural challenges. One senior resident was seen dumping a bucket filled with water and waste into the flowing sewage. When asked whether she feared blocking the storm water drain, she replied: 'If you look inside [the storm water drain], you will find beds, and tons of plastics. This is Alexandra, no one can fix it.' Ngwenya responded that he was only aware of the earlier blockage. 'Please note that I am aware of the situation. I reported it last time, when it got blocked. I was not made aware of the fact that now it's blocked [again]. I've reported it now. It will be attended to tomorrow.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
JRA still battles with reinstatements as completion rate is at 79%
JRA still battles with reinstatements as completion rate is at 79% The Joburg Crisis Alliance (JCA) is urging the City of Johannesburg to improve its management and execution of road and pavement reinstatements, following a significant backlog in repairs. Reinstatements are necessary after excavations are made for services or repairs, which often require digging up roads and pavements, particularly by Joburg Water (JW). Once JW completes its water pipe repairs, the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) is expected to promptly reinstate and restore the affected areas, said programme coordinator for the JCA, Yunus Chamda. Read more: Councillor calls on JRA for action in Fairland He added that the JCA had observed numerous sites across the city that presented a serious threat to public safety. 'After some time, the red tape that demarcates the danger at a site disappears, and the area becomes unsafe.' Chamda said that internal arrangements have shifted the responsibility for reinstatement from JW to the JRA, a move that JCA acknowledges as logical, given the differing expertise required for water and road repairs. 'Despite this, the city appears to have fallen behind, resulting in a substantial backlog of reinstatements.' JRA head of regional operations Khaya Gqibitole provided insights into their efforts to address the backlog. 'The JRA has teams across all seven regions responsible for repairing road defects, including reinstatements,' he stated. Currently, the completion rate for reinstatements from the backlog stands at 79%. However, Gqibitole noted that ongoing excavations by Joburg Water complicated the situation. 'Joburg Water continues to excavate roads as part of maintaining critical water and sewer infrastructure; therefore, the repair or reinstatement of roads is a moving target.' In terms of specific regions, Gqibitole highlighted that Regions B and F have the highest number of reinstatements on the backlog list. The completion rate for reinstatements in Region B is also at 79%. The JRA is committed to addressing all road defects in Region B, including reinstatements, and efforts will be intensified through the Executive Mayor Dada Morero's War on Potholes programme, which is set to continue in Region B until the end of July 2025. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
21 hours ago
- The Citizen
Little girl's big idea warms winter for Johannesburg orphans
In a story that weaves together kindness and community, 64 orphans at the Johannesburg Children's Home in Observatory were gifted more than just clothing this winter. They received hand-sewn hoodies stitched with love, purpose, and a personal message from the very person who made them. The gesture comes courtesy of Able Stitch, an NPO dedicated to empowering vulnerable and unemployed individuals through skill development. From the beginning, the goal was not only to create jobs, but also to inspire a deeper social impact. Read more: Orphans smile bright The spark behind this initiative came from an unexpected source. During one of Able Stitch's earliest planning meetings, five-year-old Emily Strydom, daughter of founder and managing director Lizzy Strydom, offered a simple yet powerful idea. She suggested that the individuals being trained could learn to make hoodies and donate them to children in orphanages. What began as a child's thought has since blossomed into a movement. Under Able Stitch's social impact initiative, trained individuals are taught the art of sewing while contributing to something meaningful. The result is a double impact. Those who once faced poverty or homelessness are now creating garments that bring comfort to children with no families of their own. 'This is the fourth orphanage we've visited so far,' said Strydom. 'Our goal is to warm 1 000 children this winter. We rely on donations to make it happen, but today we're proud to have reached 64 more little ones.' The excitement at the Johannesburg Children's Home was unmistakable. Children beamed with joy as they pulled on their new hoodies, each labelled with a handwritten note of encouragement. 'It's a beautiful full-circle moment,' said Strydom. 'One child's idea, helping other children, made possible by a community of people trying to turn their own lives around.' Able Stitch continues to gather support, one hoodie and one heartwarming moment at a time. If winter is a season of survival, then this project is proof that hope, stitched together by many hands, can be the warmest gift of all. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
