DEAR Editor,-
I was shocked to read about the departure of Inspector Julia Watson from the Lower South Coast SPCA for reasons that seem so petty. And I am not alone in my disappointment.
Inspector Watson’s brave, gruelling work, saving animals under frequently dangerous circumstances, has regularly been highlighted in the Herald.
I have read these stories over the years with admiration, given that I would be an emotional basket-case if I had to experience one of her work days.
SPCA manager Michael Muller acknowledged Inspector Watson’s value and said he was sad to see her go, but he was the one who let her go. His stated reason is that she insisted on taking her dog, Shivers, with her on inspections and this does not constitute “a good example to the public…” and the vehicle had to “undergo a valet service to remove dog hair from the front…”
Inspector Watson stated that Shivers helped her track snared animals – in other words, the dog is an asset to animal welfare. She also tried to compromise by buying and laundering car-seat covers, but this was apparently considered insufficient.
We do not need an SPCA run with a corporate mentality that drives away dedicated animal lovers on such spurious grounds. Mr Muller must not use the public to justify his absurd assertion that it is somehow unprofessional for the public to see a dog or dog hairs in an SPCA vehicle!
There is just one question that should drive SPCA management’s decision-making: What is in the best interests of animals?
The answer: Retaining experienced, hard-working professionals like Inspector Watson. Perhaps Mr Muller should leave, given his prissy, twisted priorities which appear to be driven more by managerial authoritarianism and obsessive-compulsive disorder than the best interests of our ‘furry friends’.
I do hope that this decision is reversed because it is a public-relations shocker that has significantly diminished the credibility of SPCA management.
MANDY TOMSON
Port Edward
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