NEW SOUTH VETERINARY CENTRE - WHERE IS YOUR COMPASSION????

I rushed my 18 year old cat, Ginger, who just had a stroke, to the New South Veterinary Centre in Johannesburg South at around 6.40pm on Monday, 13 April 2020. On arriving at their glass doors I was told I could not enter because I did not have a mask on and it was the law that I wear a mask. There was no other clients there at the time only the receptionist. I explained that it was an emergency and I had thought my mask was in the handbag I took with me. As I stood there outside the door with little Ginger in her basket I asked the receptionist on duty if I could buy a mask from the Vet as it was an emergency. She calmly told me that when the door closes I can read the sign on it which states I must wear a mask and that the clinic does not sell masks. I told her it was not the law in SA to wear a mask but she insisted it is the law. I know the law and it is not compulsory in SA to wear a mask not yet and even so, in a state of an emergency surely I could have purchased one of their masks? Instead I was turned away with a no care attitude. I told the receptionist I would take the matter further and she couldn't care less.

The New South Veterinary Centre has an advert running on their phone when you call in it says something along the lines of “we are always there for your furry friends” that is a joke. The receptionist had no compassion and could care less if my cat was dying in my arms. I find this completely unacceptable, they could have charged me R1000 for a mask to use to let me in I would have paid it but she didn’t care less and wouldn’t even call the vet. Someone like that should not be working at any animal hospital as she has no compassion whatsoever or the will in her head to try and help, it is obviously just a job for her or maybe a bit of racism?

To cut a long story short, Ginger was euthanized and I made sure she did not suffer that night with no help from the New South Veterinary Centre.

The disgraceful treatment I received at this Centre during the time of an emergency was far from compassionate and was without a doubt the most inhumane behavior I have ever encountered. They should be ashamed of their staff.