A Durban family are outraged after their cat was put down without their consent.
They said they had taken their cat to the Durban and Coastal SPCA in Springfield for a regular check-up, but it was put down instead.
The SPCA has admitted there was an administrative mix up, but insists the cat was in a “shocking” condition – and had been that way for some time.
Strini Rajgopaul said it had been “horrific” to learn his cat, 8-year-old Kittu, had been put down on Monday despite being healthy.
He said his parents took the cat for a medical check-up and treatment for an ear infection.
“An employee took the cat from us but referred to Kittu as a dog. My dad, Jeeva, retorted, ‘No, it’s a cat, can’t you see it is a cat?’ It is bizarre that an employee can’t differentiate between a cat and a dog,” Strini said.
“A few minutes later, the employee brought Kittu to us and the cat appeared to be sleeping.”
The family demanded to know what had been done to the cat. Strini said Kittu was still breathing and his parents called for a veterinarian to help.
“The supervisor explained that the cat was euthanised. The SPCA is supposed to save animals, not kill them. The person who did that must never ever be brought near an animal,” Strini said.
Caroline Smith, spokeswoman for Durban and Coast SPCA, admitted they humanely euthanised the cat because of an administrative mix up. Written consent had not been obtained from the Rajgopauls, or their adult son, Strini, before doing so.
“Our clinic supervisor apologised profusely to the owners at the time. We have arranged for private cremation of Kittu’s remains at our cost to be delivered to the family,” she said.
Smith said the staff member responsible for the error would be dealt with appropriately. The SPCA was acutely aware of the possible consequences of the work they carry out. Smith said strict protocols were in place, but these had not been adhered to.
However, she stressed euthanasia had been the only humane option for Kittu. Photographs taken by the SPCA clinic show the condition of the cat when it was brought in. According to the veterinarian’s report, the cat was severely dehydrated and emaciated.
It also had skin damage on the ears, which was likely caused by the sun. It was possibly cancerous, the vet said.
It was also suffering from a severe eye infection, a severe nasal discharge and Kittu clearly had been unable to clean herself, which in felines, indicated severe illness.
The cat was possibly suffering from an illness like feline Aids, and had been suffering for a prolonged period.
“While we take full responsibility for the paperwork not being in order, the Rajgopauls must take responsibility for the condition of their cat, which our veterinarian believes had been in this shocking condition for a prolonged period,” Smith said.
“Had the Rajgopauls consulted our vet, the only option offered to them would have been euthanasia. Failing their agreement in this regard, they would have been faced with charges of cruelty,” Smith said.
She was surprised the family had turned the matter into a viral campaign on social media. Rajgopaul sr, disputed the veterinarian’s report, saying Kittu’s medical condition could not have been ascertained in five minutes. Kittu was put down as a result of sheer incompetence, he said.
“This can’t happen again. It shouldn’t have happened at all.
“His life was cut short for no good reason. Some may think I am being melodramatic because it is a cat, unless you have a pet (and you have a bond with him) you will not understand,” he said.