EDITOR – This is in response to the letter in last week’s Sun penned by ‘Concerned animal lover’.
READ: High pet care costs are troubling
What many people don’t understand is the SPCA Amanzimtoti does not have its own vet.
They use and pay for the services of a private vet. The prices charged for sterilisation are not charged by the SPCA, rather these are the welfare prices offered to them by the vet. The SPCA unfortunately can’t simply make these prices cheaper, or more affordable. Trust me, they wish they could, as people not sterilising their pets is the reason they have hundreds of animals coming through their doors every month (no exaggeration).
But unfortunately, they just don’t have the funds to pay for everyone’s pets to be sterilised. These welfare prices also can only be offered to those who are unemployed, pensioners, or earn less than R10,000 per month per household. If a person does not fall into any of these categories, then they would have to use the services of a private vet. I would like to make it clear that the SPCA Amanzimtoti does not make any money from these sterilisations. It simply offers these welfare prices (provided by the vet) to help people who can’t afford the full price for sterilisation.
It is also important to note that the SPCA’s primary focus is the prevention of cruelty to animals. They work to remove animals from abusive, neglectful homes, rehabilitate homeless sick and injured animals, educate communities on how to properly care for their pets, among many other things. Their purpose does not involve being a cheap, or free veterinary service for people who have taken on pets they can’t afford. The SPCA tries to help as many of these people as possible, but they just don’t have the funds to help everyone, which is one of the main reasons they are currently facing a financial crisis.
READ: SPCA in financial straits
Yes, it is costly to get your pet sterilised, but it is one of the most important things you need to do for your pet. Not only does sterilisation prevent unwanted litters, but it also reduces your pet’s risk of cancer, among many other benefits.
READ ALSO: Spaying your cat – for THEIR health’s sake
The solution? Adoption. By adopting a dog, cat, puppy, or kitten from the SPCA, the adoption fee pays for your new pet to be sterilised and vaccinated at a fraction of the price of what it would cost you at a vet. Most importantly, you won’t be supporting backyard breeders, who are the reason that animal shelters are overflowing with homeless pets. And if you already have a pet that is unsterilised, save up. Put some money away every month, and get your pet sterilised. Better late than never.
STACEY WALL
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