Alberton SPCA under quarantine
The National Council of SPCA had to intervene when it was found that the Alberton SPCA was experiencing a Distemper outbreak.
NEWMARKET – Alberton SPCA is under quarantine after numerous complaints from the public and surrounding veterinarians regarding sick dogs at the SPCA.
The National Council of SPCA was called upon to intervene and it was found that the Alberton SPCA was experiencing a Distemper outbreak and they were unable to adequately isolate dogs and prevent the spread of the disease. Grave concern is also expressed for the dogs that continue to come in from the local community for sterilisation who are not protected by the necessary vaccinations.
The NSPCA Society Liaison Unit called meetings with the duly elected management committee, staff and in-house veterinarian to discuss the situation and to find solutions to solve the problem.
“Some members of the management committee of the Alberton SPCA, including the chairlady, have failed to act responsibly in this regard and continued to accept dogs into the SPCA’s care. Sick dogs cannot adequately be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease. Reports of sick dogs being adopted from the Society were also received. The Committee have also chosen to ignore the advice provided by their in-house veterinarian and the NSPCA; choosing to rather attend to matters in their way without the necessary qualifications,” said Maggie Mudd, National Senior Inspector.
“As the situation is dire we have had no option but to arrange for the humane euthanasia of the infected dogs as the Society is unable financially to treat the dogs nor are they able to keep the infected dogs isolated,” she continued.
NSPCA is currently working closely with the in-house veterinarian to bring the outbreak under control and not to infect any more dogs unnecessarily. Dogs that have valid vaccination certificates will be monitored and will not be euthanased, and a National Senior Inspector will ensure that these dogs are not euthanased, unless they show symptoms of the highly contagious disease.
“Some members of the management committee have resigned and stated that funding will be withdrawn from the Society. This course of action is highly irresponsible at a time when the SPCA requires the management committee to lead the Society through this crisis by finding workable solutions to prevent a recurrence in future. Also withdrawing much needed funding will only impact negatively on the animals,” Maggie concluded.
Grateful thanks is extended to Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA, who have offered to admit all stray and unwanted animals during the period that the Alberton SPCA is under quarantine.
