Former Lower South Coast SPCA chairperson welcomes clarity on dismissal

At the recent Lower South Coast SPCA’s annual general meeting, members were informed of the removal of former chairperson, Susan Henderson, from the management committee.

Chair of the meeting, Jaimin Patel, compliance officer for the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA), said Henderson was removed in accordance with Clause 4.8 of the society’s constitution after an inquiry was chaired by an independent chairperson.

“Thereafter the management committee passed a resolution on May 24 in terms of the society’s constitution to remove the chairperson. This action was taken in accordance with the constitution and due process,” said Patel.
Henderson addressed the floor, questioning the reasons behind her removal and the impact it has had on her professional role as an animal behaviourist.

“I have been banned from the premises… I am not allowed to come in and assess dogs for clients. I’ve been threatened with high court action if I mention anything. I’d like you to explain to me what I must tell clients because I’ve actually done nothing wrong,” said Henderson.

Patel responded: “I understand, but I must stick to our operational requirements and constitution which requires that ‘members in good standing’ can pose those questions. I’m solely bound to confirm the fact you were removed from this management committee after a due process was followed. For the benefit of the people here, two complaints were levelled against you. Both of them proved to be correct on the balance of probabilities in the disciplinary inquiry which was held, and you were subsequently removed. I’ll leave it there for the sake of clarity and fairness to you. I assume that you would not want us to go into depth of details.”

To which, Henderson replied: “I would welcome it.”

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