All the posters have really great points. Thinking about it, our shelters have raised their prices as well. It is now between R350 and R450 that you have to pay for a rescue dog. Problem for me is, they don't have purebred dogs. Not even one. And no yorkies. I have never seen a yorkie in a shelter - I think they are so popular that if they get lost, you will have to fight with the 'new owner' to get your dog back. That is why I microchip mine.
Anyway, I agree that a rescue dog shouldn't cost as much as a purebred puppy, but I also understand the rescue shelter's standpoint. I used to volunteer and foster, so I am partial to shelters.
In the case of SA, I think they are raising the prices to instill a sense of value in the pet. We have a lot of people who neglect and abandon their animals, so trying to get the public to see that these animals have value may change a few things.
Hehe, incidentally, R350 translates to about $44. I think that makes my opinion invalid
