SPCA puts down ‘dog selling’

A pet is not a commodity. This is the stern message from SPCA’s Heather Gero, after she took on three youths selling puppies near a local mall last week.

According to the Animals Protection Act, their actions are illegal.

Calling on residents to avoid purchasing animals in such a manner, Mrs Gero said the most important message to bring across was to prevent a market for these animals emerging.

Residents who accept an animal in exchange for money are guilty, she added.

“If you see this, call the SPCA immediately or take the animal away. No money can be exchanged in terms of the Act.”

Providing a background to the incident last Friday, Mrs Gero explained a resident had called her in connection with three youths selling puppies near Newcastle Mall.

By the time she arrived at the scene, only one puppy remained unsold.

Mrs Gero said the three youths were uncooperative and seemed to have found the situation amusing, responding ‘it’s just an animal’ when challenged on their actions.

“I then took the dog away from them. One boy said it was his pet and I replied if he was so concerned, he should visit the SPCA to claim it.”

Mrs Gero has not seen any of the boys since.

What made the matter all the more infuriating was the claim from another resident that one of the puppies had been slapped across the face.

Unfortunately, the youths vanished before this could be investigated further.

“Don’t open the avenue for other animals to be sold in this way. Harden yourselves and do not open the market for the selling of pets.”

Mrs Gero said her statistics showed an increase in the prevalence of pet selling recently, and confirmed Newcastle Mall was a popular venue for these reported animal sellers.

She stated vehemently this practice would not take hold in her town.

“Nothing is stopping you, the public, from questioning a person walking or standing with an animal. Stop and ask questions of them.”

The puppy has since been taken to the veterinarian where he was dewormed and inoculated.

“It has a lovely personality, is friendly and would make a lovely pet.”

The SPCA has since opened the name of the dog up to public debate – for more information, to report incidences of pet peddling, or to submit your suggested name, call the SPCA office on 034 318 2346.