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Rochelle R

1 reviews | Active since Oct 2012

14 Jan 2025, 11:41

Trying to Adopt a Puppy From SPCA

We saw a puppy on facebook being advertised at springs spca. So I asked about the adoption process and we quickly jumped to get pur application sent in. They asked us to come meet the puppy with our dog. We have a 5 Month old puppy. She is not fixed yet but she will be fixed on one year of age as our vet recommended it. We went there, everything was fine but the lady inspector who watched them play stood there and spoke badly about the people who came to meet him before us. She then proceeded to ask about our snakes, that was not on the application as all they ask about is dogs or cats. She saw them on my facebook page, again it has nothing to do with the adoption application. When we left they said we will hear from Boksburg Spca to do a home inspection. I kept in touch with the adoption lady. A few days go by and I ask her whats going on, when do we get a home check. She rep**** Boksburg Spca does not want to come look at our house because our puppy is not spayed. She said we must get a vet letter to prove to them that we will spay her. We called the vet and she was happy to help, she sent the letter. I forwarded it to the adoption lady and waited. Days go by again, I asked her why are we not hearing anything. She came back to me later that evening saying good job they will do a home inspection. The weekend came and went, on the Monday Boksburg Spca phoned me to ask if they can come. I said yes, I am waiting for them. They come an hour late, I had no issue, I was super friendly. They seemed so nice which is so ****. As they got out the inspector said I heard you have snakes, can I see them. I said yes, I took them into our home. Showed them the snakes, they are all healthy and clean. The cages are clean. They have water. They stood there and made jokes and then stepped outside. They asked a few questions on our cats. I answered everything that they wanted to know and then they said they had to go. They did not look at the yard, they did not care to see the cats. They were just focused on the snakes which I do not understand as it is not supposed to have anything to do with the application as it is not even on the adoption form. As they left they said we have a very nice house and we will hear back from them tomorrow. Mind you they kept talking to me as if we are getting the puppy asking what we are going to call him talking about how he would grow up with our puppy etc. nothing indicated that they had any issue with anything. They waved and left. The next morning Springs Spca phones me. I was so excited to answer, in my heart I felt it must be good news we did nothing wrong to get bad news, and then the lady said sorry Boksburg decided to decline us because my snakes cages are too small. I was in shock, I wanted to laugh and cry and I said wow ok, I dont see how its too small as it is bigger than most breeders and petshop cages. Infact I even think two of them are still too small for the big cages they are in. She hung up and I was devastated. This was the worst experience of my life. I will tell everyone I know not to support the spca. I thought the spca cared about animals welfare and would assist people to make sure everything is right and work out but no. Something I also forgot to mention is how they use the puppies as cash ***s, throughout the whole adoption process they kept posting the photo of the puppy we are try to give a forever home to asking for donations and saying he is still available luring people to jump at it while we sit on the other side wishing to be able to take him home, opening our house and ourselves to these people just so they can crush your dreams. No wonder so many people support petshops and breeders its ****ing impossible to adopt an animal from the spca. They are the most judgemental, **** friendly, greed chasing people I have ever met and I will never support them again.

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Replies (2)
SPCA
SPCA's reply14 Jan 2025, 11:54
Official
We at the National Council of SPCAs will forward your complaint to the Springs SPCA and the Boksburg SPCA asking for a response. Their response shall be posted within 7 days. Kind regards Society Liaison UnitNational Council of SPCAs 
SPCA
SPCA's reply20 Jan 2025, 10:01
Official
Dear Rochelle, Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding your recent adoption experience at the Springs SPCA. We value feedback and would like to address the points raised in your complaint to provide clarity and context. At no point during your visit did our inspector discuss other potential adopters in a disparaging manner. Our focus remains on ensuring the best possible match for each animal and their prospective families. The inquiry about your snakes stemmed from publicly available information on your Facebook page, which indicated you are snake owners. As animal welfare is at the core of our mission, we aim to gain a full understanding of the environment and conditions in which all pets on the property are kept. During your visit when the discussion regarding the snakes took place, you informed us that you keep four snakes in tanks in a separate room. The request for a letter from your veterinarian was in line with our pro-sterilization policy, which aligns with responsible pet ownership. Sterilization prevents unwanted breeding and litters, supporting our goal of reducing animal overpopulation and homelessness. We appreciated your cooperation in obtaining the necessary letter from your vet, who assisted in facilitating the home inspection. The Boksburg SPCA, which conducted the home inspection, reported concerns regarding the size of the tanks that hold your snakes. It is important to note that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals opposed to the keeping of wild animals in captivity because it is not often that their Five Freedoms are met. When conducting property inspections, the SPCA must ensure that all animals on the property are well cared for. When welfare concerns with currently owned pets are observed, we cannot allow for more pets to be placed on the property. The Springs SPCA supports Boksburg SPCA findings and shares their commitment to upholding animal welfare standards.  Boksburg SPCA have offered to send a qualified Inspector back to your home to advise you on the correct keeping of reptiles and the changes that should be made. This will include information on the size of the tanks, substrate, heating globes, feeding etc.  The application form specifically requests details of all current pets and your experience with them. Accurate and complete disclosure helps us better assess the suitability of an adoption placement for all animals involved. We regret that you were dissatisfied with the outcome of your application. While we understand your disappointment, our priority is always the welfare of all animals. Our adoption process is designed to ensure the best match for each pet and to place them in environments that meet their physical and emotional needs. Thank you for your understanding, and we appreciate the opportunity to clarify the situation. Should you wish to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to reach out to us directly.