You can't even ask for help without having drama come to your home.

One of the most pathetic experiences we had regarding the SPCA Pietermaritzburg. I had called the Vet Clinic and spoke to the receptionist regarding our Jack Russell that has an itchy skin. I informed the receptionist that we are not the formal owners however the dog is in our care and we would like to get her some treatment but we were not able to afford the vet costs so I had asked her if there's anything else we are able to do in the meantime or if there's any way they can assist us. She then proceeded to tell me that she wants to create a profile for when we come in and so she had asked me for all my information. She also mentioned that they cannot assist us regarding the costs at all. She also asked us if we want to surrender the dog in and I informed her that we want to help the dog and in no way are we trying to give her up. She then sent out an email to her manager and twisted the whole conversation. 2 days later the SPCA inspectors arrived at my home saying they received a complaint and they are here for the dog. I informed them that I called for help so I don't understand why they were there. They then said that they want the owner of the dogs number so they can fight with her. Keep in mind that the owner is a old lady and we are taking care of her dog. When I called the office and spoke to the manager about them coming for the dog and why was a complaint made when I never called to make any complaints she wouldn't let me finish explaining what had happened. She then proceeded to say we are cruel to the dog and neglecting her when in actual fact we wanted to get the dog help but didn't have the funds. She started threatening to instruct the inspectors to take our dog away and then she started threatening to have me arrested and threatening me with a ******** record all because we couldn't bring the dog in immediately and we were waiting to get some money to bring her in. And yes I was indeed very rude to her after this because you do not come and threaten me just because you feel you have the authority. When I had called their member from head office - Marian, she didn't let me finish my story either and was siding with the manager. She agreed to her threatening me and apparently us not having funds is "not their problem". The inspector and the manager had then come to my house saying they came to take the dog away and gave us a written warning to have her at the vet before 4pm. When we had taken her to the vet all we were given were a flea and tick tablet and prednisone.The way in which this situation was handled was very unprofessional and ridiculous. Such a performance just because we asked for advice on our dogs skin. So my question is, everyone that calls the SPCA for help gets treated this way and have them showing up to their homes? We always donate to them and needed assistance but it looks like they rather assist the rich than us who need it. They put on this big performance when it was so unnecessary but when they were called out for the abused and neglected dogs next to my sisters house multiple times they did absolutely nothing. This is what the SPCA have come to and it's so sad how terrible management have become. Absolutely pathetic service and we will make sure this matter goes public. SPCA you need to fix your attitude because 1 day when you do this to the wrong people you'll end up losing donations that help.