ANONYMOUS writes:
We visited Kempton Park SPCA on December 27. What a disappointing experience.
My dad, myself and my husband decided to take our daughter (3) to feed the animals some treats, show them some affection and to donate quite a large amount of food.
When we arrived we asked someone to collect our donations from the gate and if we could feed the dogs, but were told we were not allowed to do so.
We have always fed the dogs in the past. After a bit of back and forth, we were told we could only feed the older dogs and not the puppies due to a virus going around.
Also read:
• Family buys for SPCA animals
• Uproar as Kempton Park SPCA ‘loses’ pit bull puppy
We fed the bigger dogs treats and spent some time with them and then proceeded to see the puppies. We then walked further down to another set of kennels.
A man rudely approached us from inside the kennels and said something about adoption. We said we knew they were not up for adoption, walking past.
We exchanged a few words on our way back. In the reception area, he caused a scene with us and the staff behind the desk. No one gave us a chance to explain and they kept saying there was an airborne virus.
What’s the difference if we were a few metres away? We never went into the enclosure. If he approached us in a friendly manner and explained the situation, we would have obliged.
We are huge animal lovers and that day just broke me. Not even a thank you by any of the staff for the donations.
My daughter was in a state and her first encounter at the SPCA was a nightmare. Sadly for the dogs, we will not be donating to or supporting Kempton Park SPCA ever again.
I know this guy had a job to do and we respect that, but his attitude was disgusting. Shame on you Kempton Park SPCA. People donate to your organisation and then you treat the same people like trash. (Letter shortened – editor)
Kira Sparrow, manager of Kempton Park SPCA, replies:
It always amazes me how people’s perception is so warped.
We do not normally allow the public to feed the animals treats, as this is a major hazard for spreading disease throughout the kennels.
In the adoption blocks the animals have received their vaccinations, but may still be at risk.
The pound, holding and boarding kennels are closed to the public for viewing for various reasons of safety (in terms of disease control as well as the well-being of the animals).
The puppies she may be referring to are possibly the ones in the pound area. The pound is for strays and that is the only holding facility we have for them. This area is not for the public.
I can confirm the grandfather came into the SPCA with an unpleasant attitude. There is one of the most polite staff on my team with most certainly no air of arrogance about him and he always talks to the public with softness and kindness.
I can also confirm that the three women in the office did indeed say thank you for the donation – appreciation is something we uphold very highly on our team.
It is interesting that the person pointed out that they were treated like ”trash” when the grandfather pointed his finger in the face of the accused several times, as well as into the face of my inspector (I was witness to this).
He also proceeded to use foul and vulgar language; it is no wonder the three-year-old daughter was so distraught after leaving our premises.
