26/08/2025
Please read this and think twice before bashing any SPCA.
Euthanasia and the Ignorance
Every day, SPCAs face harsh criticism over our euthanasia policies.
But we have to ask: do these critics ever stop to consider the real questions?
Where do all these animals come from?
Why do SPCAs resort to euthanasia?
And why are the numbers so high?
Let’s be clear:
It’s not the SPCA that breeds irresponsibly.
It’s not the SPCA that moves away and leaves their pets behind.
It’s not the SPCA that lets animals roam the streets or gives them away for "free to a good home."
It’s not the SPCA that says, “Let her have just one litter,” or, “I only have a male—it’s not my problem if he gets the neighbor’s dog pregnant.”
It’s not the SPCA’s fault that so many animals are abused, neglected, and abandoned.
So, who is responsible for the heartbreaking number of animals being sent over the rainbow bridge every single day?
Let us tell you the harsh reality.
Many SPCAs have started publicly sharing their monthly intake figures.
For example, our SPCA (serving Randfontein and Westonaria) takes in around 150–200 animals every month.
We have fewer than 60 kennels.
Where are we supposed to find the space, food, medicine, and staff to care for every single animal?
And then we hear:
“Why can’t you be like no-kill shelters?”
It’s simple: no-kill shelters can turn animals away.
We don't.
One of the SPCA’s core mandates is that we do not refuse admission of any animal—because we know what happens if we do. And it’s horrific.
If we stopped euthanizing, we would be full within two weeks. Then what?
We also hear:
“Your adoption process is too strict.”
Yes—it absolutely is. And that’s on purpose.
These animals have already been failed by humans. We won’t let it happen again.
We’ve put policies in place because we’ve learned from the past. We’ve seen what happens when we’re not careful.
Our adoption process exists to protect the animals—ensuring they go to homes where they are truly safe, loved, and properly cared for.
We will not send an animal off to a fate worse than death.
So, next time you feel tempted to join the online mob calling SPCAs “killers,”
please stop and ask yourself:
What is really going on?
Who is really to blame?
Who is truly paying the price for ignorance and irresponsibility?
It’s not us.
It’s not the SPCA.
But we carry the emotional burden, make the impossible decisions, and do the best we can with the little we have.
We will not stop putting the animals’ needs first.
We will continue to be the solution—to a problem caused by others.
Even when it breaks our hearts.
