JS
Jasmine S
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2017
23 Sept 2017, 16:00
Euthanasing treatable animals
My partner and i had recently found stray cats and housed them for a few days before taking them through to the Randburg SPCA. Although the staff were friendly and helpful we were informed the kittens would be put down due to them having snuffles. After enquiring with 3 different independent vets due to worry over our own pets we were informed that snuffles can be cured rather easily with a broad spectrum antibiotic (which is obtainable informatiom with a quick google search) and is only life threatening if the animal stops eating and drinking which was not the case with these strays as they were very active, energetic and had no problem with appetite . After dropping them at the SPCA we were not asked about the mannerism, appetite or condition of the animals and were informed that due to "suffering" they would not even attempt to treat the problem and would rather euthenase the kittens. I find it hard to believe that without a registered vet on staff they could make the assumption that the animals would not get better and it would be much easier to simply end their life. I'm very disappointed in the way it was handled and feel that the could have been treated and housed accordingly even through a "non profit" organisation like this one. Please do not take strays to the SPCA.
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SPCA's replyOfficial
11 Jan 2018, 12:39We apologise for the delay in response as we were only made aware of your post now.
To clarify, we cannot respond on what transpired during your visit to the Randburg SPCA, but we offer explanation on why the SPCA made the decision they did.
Snuffles is a highly contagious feline disease and although treatable it can spread like wildfire through a cattery if the animals are not quarantined. Only the very large SPCAs have isolation units where air-borne diseased animals can be quarantined. Smaller SPCAs like Randburg SPCA do not have these facilities.
If the SPCA had admitted the sick kittens into the cattery then other cats would have been infected as well. The disease affects the respiratory tracts and can cause great distress to infected animals. Even vaccinated animals can contract the disease as not all strains are covered in the vaccine.
We are certain that you would not wish the other animals at the SPCA to become infected or suffer in any way if the staff had not taken what is perceived to be a harsh stance. In addition many cats may recover from a bout of Snuffles but then become carriers and can continue to infect other cats for many years. This, we are certain you understand, is unfair to these other animals.
We trust this clarifies.
Kind regards
Society Liaison Unit
National Council of SPCAs
Best regards,
SPCA's reply11 Jan 2018, 12:39
Official
We apologise for the delay in response as we were only made aware of your post now.
To clarify, we cannot respond on what transpired during your visit to the Randburg SPCA, but we offer explanation on why the SPCA made the decision they did.
Snuffles is a highly contagious feline disease and although treatable it can spread like wildfire through a cattery if the animals are not quarantined. Only the very large SPCAs have isolation units where air-borne diseased animals can be quarantined. Smaller SPCAs like Randburg SPCA do not have these facilities.
If the SPCA had admitted the sick kittens into the cattery then other cats would have been infected as well. The disease affects the respiratory tracts and can cause great distress to infected animals. Even vaccinated animals can contract the disease as not all strains are covered in the vaccine.
We are certain that you would not wish the other animals at the SPCA to become infected or suffer in any way if the staff had not taken what is perceived to be a harsh stance. In addition many cats may recover from a bout of Snuffles but then become carriers and can continue to infect other cats for many years. This, we are certain you understand, is unfair to these other animals.
We trust this clarifies.
Kind regards
Society Liaison Unit
National Council of SPCAs
Best regards,