Bedfordview Germiston SPCA accused of putting down animals identified for adoption

Outraged residents and animal lovers have accused the Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA of euthanising animals identified for adoption.

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Residents alleged that some of these animals had potential adopters, yet, they were put down.

Resident Nada Nieuwoudt said dogs available for adoption were posted on the SPCA Facebook page on May 1.

She added two residents responded to the call for adoption and visited the branch the following day to fill out adoption forms.

They were told the animals had been put down already and residents took to social media as it sparked outrage. Several residents voiced their displeasure with the SPCA.

Others expressed difficulties they have encountered when trying to adopt animals.

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This also resulted in several telephone calls to Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS.

When the NEWS, accompanied by three residents visited the facility on May 4 at 11:00 the front door to the premises was closed without any notice stipulating the reasons for closure. In trying to open the door, it was slammed shut.

Access was eventually granted.

Nieuwoudt lambasted the facility for putting down animals that ‘have a home’ to go to.

“I want to know why it takes three weeks for adoptions.

“I would also like to know why animals are being put down when there are people who want to adopt them,” she said.

Another resident Kim Jones said she had been trying to adopt Rocky, posted on the SPCA’s Facebook page, for over two weeks.

“I phoned and they informed me he was booked, which I was delighted to hear as it meant he had found a home.

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Then I saw that Rocky was available for adoption again on Facebook and I made the necessary arrangements.

“When I went to fetch Rocky, they brought the wrong dog from the kennel,” explained Jones.

She said it seems staff place the wrong dogs in the kennels.

In an enquiry sent to both the National SPCA and the Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA, the ]NEWS requested comment on residents’ allegations that animals identified for adoption were euthanised, the posting of animals on Facebook that are no longer available for adoption and the closure of the branch on the day of the NEWS’ visit.

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Both acknowledged receipt of the media enquiry.

At the time of going to print on May 8, the Germiston Bedfordview SPCA chairperson Roxanne Bredenkamp informed the NEWS that the branch will comment on the allegations made by residents by May 9.

NSPCA spokesperson Keshvi Nair said the national branch will revert or arrange for the relevant person to comment.

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