An RSPCA volunteer has hit out at the animal welfare group for putting down a seven-month-old puppy, claiming it was healthy and harmless.
The anonymous volunteer claimed the puppy, named Sophie, had been euthanized at the Sydney Adoption Center in Yagoona.
“Today I had one of the most traumatic experiences of my life,” they wrote in a review left on the business’s page.
‘They sacrificed a puppy of no more than 7 months, healthy and without danger to anyone.’
An RSPCA NSW spokesperson confirmed with Daily Mail Australia that the puppy had been euthanized, but disputed the claim that the puppy was healthy.
The volunteer said they had spent the previous month doing ‘therapy’ with the puppy to socialize him and even offered to take him home.
But on Friday morning, they arrived at work to find Sophie unconscious on the floor, sedated before euthanasia.
“I cried and begged them not to do it, to let me take her home and they told me it wasn’t possible, that they had already tried everything with her but they couldn’t socialize,” they wrote.
The anonymous volunteer claimed the puppy, named Sophie, had been euthanized at the Sydney Adoption Center in Yagoona.
‘I have been involved in animal activism for over twenty years, this animal was far from irrehabilitable, it just needed time and proper therapy.
‘She was a sweet puppy who in a short time trusted you and willingly sought human contact, she deserved a chance, this is an injustice. Her name was Sofia.
‘I am devastated, and I am going to try to ensure that everyone who is considering making a donation here knows the reality and makes a conscious donation, because for me, this is far from what should be considered animal protection.’
Vegan activist Tash Peterson said she was outraged to hear about the “murder” at the shelter.
“Thanks to the dedicated efforts of a volunteer who saw her potential, Sophie was given a good chance in life,” Mrs Peterson said.
‘The claim that she was “unsocializable” is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Sophie deserved more time, care and a real chance at life.
‘This tragedy highlights a larger problem – the conflicting values of the RSPCA.
“While they call themselves protectors of animals, their seal of approval appears on products made from the bodies of animals that were exploited and killed for profit, including meat, dairy and eggs.”
Vegan activist Tash Peterson said she was outraged to hear about the “murder” at the shelter.
Peterson said the story served as a reminder of the need to adopt from shelters instead of supporting animal breeders.
Animal rights activist Sheena Chhabra, of Plant Based Treaty, said it was “unacceptable for any animal to be killed prematurely simply because it has not adapted to its environment”.
“Organisations like the RSPCA are meant to protect animals and give them a chance at life, not discard them if they don’t fit a predefined system,” Ms Chhabra said.
RSPCA NSW said its inspectorate handed Sophie over to the shelter last month, along with a “large group of animals”, confiscated from two people disqualified from keeping animals.
“Sophie was in a very poor condition and very afraid when she was admitted, indicating a traumatic background,” a spokesperson said.
He was not available for adoption due to his “very complex behavioral needs.”
There were also no foster carers available to take her in, and the group’s behavioral and rehabilitation centers were at capacity.
Although the group’s behavior and rehabilitation team worked closely with her to try to build trust, she “continued to display overwhelming fear and anxiety.”
“After weeks in our care, Sophie’s fear and avoidance remained overwhelmingly high,” the spokesperson said.
‘He still couldn’t leave his kennel to go to the bathroom, exercise, sniff or explore, basic activities essential for his physical and mental health.
“Sophie also began to exhibit physical symptoms of chronic stress, further highlighting her deterioration.”
The decision was made to euthanize her to avoid “further distress and suffering.”
RSPCA NSW has six shelters in the state, of which the Yagoona shelter, Sydney, is the largest.
All shelters offer animals for adoption, including dogs and cats surrendered as injured strays, confiscated by an inspector, or surrendered by their owners.
But they do not have the means to accept safe and healthy stray animals, which should be handed over to municipal kennels.
In total, New South Wales shelters care for more than 14,000 animals each year.