MEDIA STATEMENT
ISSUED ON WEDNESDAY 03 FEBRUARY 2010
CONTACT CHRISTINE KUCH ON 011-907-3590 OR 082 828 0337
MUSICA – “HOE OM ‘KAT TE SLAG”
(HOW TO KILL A CAT)
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) refers to a leaflet headed “Hoe om ‘kat te slag” (How to kill a cat) which had been distributed by Musica. The NSPCA considers its content to be shocking and inappropriate. It gives “step by step” instructions in Afrikaans on how to kill a cat. Anyone carrying out the so-called instructions would have performed a criminal act in terms of the Animals Protection Act.
Robbie Ferns, the Merchandise Executive of Musica advised Christine Kuch of the NSPCA on Tuesday 02 February that these leaflets had been withdrawn from Musica stores but he was unable to say how many may have been distributed.
The NSPCA contends that the incident should not have happened. Information was requested from Musica in writing as the NSPCA was unable to elicit answers from Mr Ferns and Musica’s Managing Director was unavailable and did not return our call.
The questions included:
- Who designed/created this leaflet?
- How many may have been distributed?
- Has disciplinary action been taken against the individual at Musica who approved or condoned this leaflet?
- What action has Musica taken in terms of systems being put into place to ensure that nothing of this kind can re-occur?
The response is below in italics: -
Attention: Mrs Chris Kuch
From: Robert Ferns
Merchandise Executive
Musica
Re: Customer complaint
Please find attached our formal response to the customer complaint as discussed yesterday and today. In terms of your further questions on this these are internal processes which we will manage accordingly.
Dear Mrs Kuch
Our telephonic discussion earlier today relating to the customer complaint regarding a particular product purchased within one of our Musica stores has reference. A number of the Musica management team have been in direct contact with the customer concerned and we believe have resolved her complaint amicably and to her satisfaction.
As a further measure, we also advise that Musica has removed all the offending product from the stores and are in the process of having it destroyed.
We trust that this will assist you in dealing with the particular matter. Should you however require further detail or clarity please feel free to contact the writer.
Kind Regards
Robbie Ferns