Abuse and threats against SPCA staff and other workers are unacceptable – Editorial
It should come as no surprise that the SPCA is speaking out about the threats and abuse its people are facing.
The national animal welfare charity, in an article on Saturday, provided details about the surge of abuse its inspectors are facing.
This includes death threats and threats of sexual and physical violence.
It is not alone.
The revelations follow Hato Hone St John detailing violence against staff, doctors and nurses speaking out and elected councillors reporting abuse and threats.
Just over five years ago, retail workers spoke out amid an increase in reports of aggressive and violent customers after the Covid-19 lockdowns.
What is going on? Why are some people so angry and unable to control themselves? Why are they abusing and threatening people for just doing their job?
SPCA staff and volunteers have always faced difficult aspects of their jobs. Caring for and protecting abused, neglected, injured and abandoned animals must take a toll.
One only has to read news stories or look at the organisation’s website to understand how horrific some cases are.
The organisation last year reported that people are threatening to kill their unwanted animals unless the SPCA takes them in. Staff must find it incredibly challenging to deal with these threats.
It will also be difficult for most law-abiding, decent people who love and respect their pets to comprehend how some people treat their own.
In Saturday’s hard-hitting story, the organisation’s head of animal care, Selena Francisco, outlines how the abuse had increased, leading to staff losses and demoralisation. Investigations are also impacted.
There are 58 inspectors with legal powers to respond to complaints and remove animals from their owners.
Many are women and there has been a sexual assault reported, Francisco says. One staff member has had a glass bottle thrown at their vehicle and others have been verbally abused while off duty at places such as hardware stores.
Inspectors are now resorting to wearing stab-proof vests and using other protective equipment when responding to animal welfare calls.
People subject to animal welfare checks or who have had animals removed, as well as people associated with them, are among those dishing out the abuse and threats.
There are also online “vigilante” or alternative animal rescue groups that are highly critical of the SPCA and its operations, and some animal rights activists, Francisco says.
It seems there is an increasing breakdown in basic respect and responsible adult behaviour occurring across the country, particularly towards workers trying to help others or make a difference.
Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, including at work.
Threats, abuse and assaults are unacceptable, and those responsible need to take a hard look at themselves.
Some people are under multiple pressures. But this is no excuse.
Bad behaviour needs to be called out and, where necessary, reported to the police.