Roxanne M

Unfair Handling of Lost Pet – No Compassion or Cooperation

Heartbreaking Experience Trying to Reclaim My Lost Cat. I am writing this review regarding my experience with the Kloof and Highway SPCA after finding my missing cat, Champ. Champ went missing, and we immediately began searching our area, putting up posters, and asking around our neighbourhood. We had recently relocated and were still unfami**** with the area. By chance, a family friend took me to the SPCA approximately 30 days later, and that is when I found Champ there. I was told I needed to complete a lost pet form and provide proof of ownership, which I did. From there, there were continuous back-and-forth emails. Responses often took up to three days at a time, which significantly delayed the process. Despite providing proof of ownership and proof of continuous communication showing that we were actively trying to reclaim him, I have now been informed that because it was beyond the 7-day holding period, Champ has legally become the property of the SPCA. I am being asked to pay R4,500 to reclaim him. Alternatively, I have been told that the family who found him has reserved him, and legally there is nothing further we can do. What I am struggling to understand is that I was informed the R4,500 amount is for boarding costs. However, I have also been told that if adopted out, his adoption fee would be R950 — a drastically lower amount. It is extremely difficult to comprehend why the registered owner, who has provided proof and has been actively trying to retrieve her pet, is expected to pay significantly more than someone adopting him. At no stage did we abandon our cat. We searched, we posted, we asked around, and once we discovered where he was, I immediately followed the required process. This cat is not “just a pet” to us. Champ was found by my husband shortly after he lost his father. He has been part of our healing journey and our family. He is our child. This situation is not just administrative — it is deeply personal and emotionally painful. For an organisation that stands for animal welfare and claims to want what is best for the animal, he continues to sit in a cage away from his family while this matter is unresolved. We have also been informed that he may be adopted by another family — people who know nothing about his history, his trauma, his personality, or the bond he has with us. His companion, Boots, misses him terribly. Where is the compassion and understanding for reunifying animals with the families who love them? From where I stand, this feels less about welfare and more about finances — and that is incredibly painful to accept.