2a) Accepting and using poor quality feeds.
Poor feeds do not provide adequate nutrition thereby making the animal sick and possibly leaving the animal with permanent physical damage. By accepting those brands which do not provide a proper diet the SPCA inadvertently advertises these products to the public by stating through deed that they are “approved by the SPCA”
This conflicts with the SPCA Code of Ethics: Points 1) sub paragraph 2 and 2) sub paragraph 2
Solution: We understand that these feeds are currently being accepted because they are cheaper and therefore the SPCA will likely acquire more feed, however by providing guidelines for the donation of foods the SPCA would both educate the public as to which brands are unsuitable as feeds and would provide better care for the shelter animals. Higher quality feeds are also more concentrated, therefore demanding less be fed to the animals which would counteract any decrease in the amount available.
Symptoms: The public see the SPCA using feeds that do not provide a complete and balanced diet and assume these brands are OK. Their animal companions are then subjected to being fed these brands which can result in malnutrition and suffering.
2b) Adopting inappropriate and stressful transportation procedures for cats.
When being transported the cats are placed in small, unsheltered wire cages, that restrict their movement. Leaving the cat terrified and exposing the animal to unwarranted stress which leaves the animal more susceptible to illness or even death. This also sends the message to the public that this method of transportation of cats is again “Approved by the SPCA” and must therefore be acceptable. It also robs the cat of all dignity and promotes the disrespect of animals.
This conflicts with the SPCA Code of Ethics: Points 1) subparagraphs 1&2 and 2) subparagraph 2
Solution: Cats should be transported in one of the many cat carriers that are stacked around the shelter. These provide shelter, and more mobility for the cat: therefore more comfort for the cat: they are also more hygienic.
Symptoms: The public may witness this disrespect of cats by the SPCA and can either be repulsed by this action or conditioned to believe that such actions are acceptable: in addition, the cats are subjected to unnecessary stress.
2c) Providing erroneous advice by staffing with untrained personnel.
Members of the public seeking information from the SPCA must do so from the personnel on hand. As none of the volunteers have been trained in the care of animals, and many of the staff can only provide information in certain areas, much erroneous advice is imparted. This again results in even more cruelty to animals by well-meaning people who were given inaccurate advice – this is inexcusable.
This conflicts with the SPCA Code of Ethics Point 1) subparagraph 2 and Section 2, point 2.
Solution: Formulate an extensive training program for volunteers and staff and provide information pamphlets that outline sources of additional information. The training must also include public relations.
Symptoms: The SPCA fosters cruelty to animals by continuing to use untrained personnel to advise new animal parents.
2d) Providing new cat parents with non-breakaway collars
Veterinarians recommend that cats only be collared with a breakaway collar thereby substantially reducing the risk of strangulation, which is not prevented with a collar equipped with elastic. The SPCA should not contradict this by providing no breakaway collars for adopted cats.
This conflicts with the SPCA Code of Ethics Point 1) subparagraph 2 and 2) subparagraph 2
Solution: Provide proper collar or offer a coupon or price break for the purchase of a proper collar, and educate the adoptee about the importance of such a collar.
Symptoms: Misinformation of the public and risk of cat’s injury or death through strangulation.