If you love them, have them spayed or neutered

Everyone wants a furry four-legged friend, but there is one important thing to remember … ensure that you, as a responsible pet owner, have you animals spayed or neutered.

Rene van Straten, inspector at the RandWest SPCA, said people are quick to bad-mouth the SPCA, but they don’t ask themselves where the animals come from that end up there.

“I know that to spay or neuter your animal might be expensive, but many organisations are willing to help.”

She believes it is better to adopt a dog or a cat from the SPCA where everything is included in the price, rather than support a breeder’s unethical practices where one would pay R2 000 for a puppy or kitten that becomes sick because it had not been vaccinated.

“There is no such thing as a responsible breeder, so people need to stop breeding animals!”

Rene explained that if people stopped breeding animals, rescue organisations and the SPCA would not be overwhelmed by the huge number of unwanted dogs and cats.

“If you do not have the finances, knowledge or the time to take care of an animal, no matter what it is, then you should rather not have pets.”

Considering the number of complaints and animals the RandWest SPCA receives, they are struggling to stay afloat, and they need the community’s help, because without them the SPCA cannot exist.

So the next time you wish to add a furry friend to your family, why not adopt one where everything will be included, giving you peace of mind that your pup or kitten is healthy and protected from bringing more animals into the world.

Most importantly, remember to have you animals spayed or neutered.