Adopt, don’t shop: SPCA urges pet owners to make lifesaving choice

Gero’s appeal comes as a response to the alarming number of pets surrendered to shelters like the SPCA, often due to owners’ failure to sterilize their pets, leading to unwanted litters.

By opting to adopt, pet lovers can not only find their new best friend but also help combat pet overpopulation and prevent unnecessary suffering.

Many of these pets are euthanised when adoptions do not occur.

“This number could be dramatically reduced if more people adopted pets instead of buying or obtaining them from other sources,” said Gero.

She has given three reasons to adopt, not shop:

• Adopting will save you money: adopting from the Newcastle SPCA is less expensive than purchasing a pet from a store or other outlet. Pets are already vaccinated and sterilised, so the SPCA fee is very low.
• Owning a pet is psychologically, emotionally, and physically beneficial, according to research: Aside from making you smile, spending time with an animal can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Dog walking, grooming, and even petting a pet increases physical activity, strengthens the heart, improves blood circulation, and slows bone tissue loss.
• Adoption eliminates the need for ‘puppy mills’ and pet stores: according to Gero, ‘factory-style’ breeding facilities generally prioritise profits over animal welfare. Many animals are forced to live in ‘shocking conditions’ and are overbred, without proper medical care and with very little or no human companionship.

Gero believes it is critical for the SPCA that all of its animals find permanent homes.

“Come to the SPCA to meet your new best friend and experience the wonderful feeling of providing a special home to an animal in need,” she concluded.

To find out more about adoption procedures or to visit the animals, call the SPCA at 034 318 2346 or visit at 1 Sampson Drive, Barry Hertzog Park.

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