Resident distraught after stray kittens euthanised at Amanzimtoti SPCA

A regular sponsor of SPCA Amanzimtoti is irate after three kittens that her family had taken into the organisation for adoption were euthanised recently.  Isipingo resident, Evon Ramjit, said her family was taking care of the stray kittens, but were unable to keep them since they feed several other cats and hoped that they would find good homes through the organisation.

“My husband and daughter took the kittens in and filled out some forms. They queried if they would be put down and were assured that they would not.  My daughter asked if she could see the kittens before they left and she was told she was not allowed to. We were distraught and the next day we tried to get them back.  When we went to the SPCA we were abruptly told that they were put down. According to the staff, it was because the kittens scratched them. My husband and I left the premises in tears. They weren’t even given a chance to be adopted.”

Ramjith said that the kittens were friendly and playful. According to a release issued by the organisation, animals are assessed before they are euthanised. The animal’s age, health, temperament, and ability to cope in a kennel setting, are all evaluated.

“These cats were feral, meaning they were wild. One bit our manager, and another staff member got all scratched up while handling them. They were sadly not home-able, and we had to make yet another heart-breaking decision.”

The release stated that more than 300 animals are surrendered to the organisation monthly.

“On a really good month, about 40 of the animals will be adopted or claimed. And then the following month, another 300, and another. At this point, there aren’t enough homes or even cages for them all. We do the vital role of never turning animals away. This is so important because if we didn’t, about 250 animals would end up on the streets every month, starving and suffering in Amanzimtoti alone. Our SPCA staff are doing the job that no one else will, to prevent suffering, and it takes a serious emotional and psychological toll on us.  Some animals are rehabilitated if funds allow, and healthy animals with good temperaments are vaccinated and put up for adoption.  We celebrate for those dogs and cats, but we mourn for those who couldn’t be given a chance because tomorrow another 10 animals come through the doors.”

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