Edenvale SPCA investigates pellet gun shooting of Jack Russell puppy
“This is the first report of an animal being injured with a pellet gun that we have received in a while.”
The Edenvale SPCA has launched an investigation after a seven-month-old Jack Russell puppy was recently shot with a pellet gun.
The puppy, Beans, was shot in the chest at a property in the Avenues on July 15 at approximately 12:00.
Speaking to the Bedfordview and Edenvale News, Edenvale SPCA inspector Udo Salchow said the branch was informed of the incident on July 16 and is investigating the matter.
Edenvale SPCA branch manager Marita Acar said it is vital for community members to report incidents of animal abuse, animals being shot with pellet guns or pet poisonings.
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“By receiving this information, the SPCA is able to identify whether there are any trends emerging within our community.”
She said hearing about the incident was both upsetting and concerning.
Fellow inspector Hope Mokalapa said the shooting of the puppy is in direct contravention of the Animals Protection Act.
“Because this incident contravenes the Animals Protection Act, we will investigate the matter as it falls within our mandate, given that the animal suffered as a result of being shot,” said Mokalapa.
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He said the SPCA would follow up on all available information, determine whether there had been similar complaints in the area and investigate the shooting thoroughly.
Acar said the Edenvale SPCA has not recently received reports of pellet guns being discharged or animals being shot with pellet guns in the greater Edenvale area.
“Pellet guns make a very distinct sound, so the moment one is discharged, the community is usually up in arms or informs us immediately,” said Acar.
Mokalapa said the only incident that may have been related to a pellet gun dated back three to four months.
He said several birds were found in the Isandovale area with unexplained injuries.
Although it was suspected that a pellet gun had been used to shoot the birds, Mokalapa said there was insufficient evidence to confirm this.
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“This is the first report of an animal being injured with a pellet gun that we have received in quite some time.”
Mokalapa explained that in cases involving pellet gun shootings, the perpetrators can range from disgruntled neighbours and mischievous children to criminals.
“In some instances, criminals will shoot one dog on a property, which traumatises the remaining dogs.
“When the criminals return, the dogs are too traumatised to react, making it easier for them to gain access to the property,” said Mokalapa.
He said it is difficult to give pet owners, particularly dog owners, specific advice in situations like these.
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“Residents keep dogs for different reasons. Some keep them for companionship, while others keep them for security or protection.”
He urged residents to remain vigilant and, where possible, keep their pets at the back of their properties and out of harm’s way.
Acar encouraged community members to communicate with their neighbours.
“Edenvale residents are known for being close-knit, staying aware of what is happening in their neighbourhoods and reporting suspicious activity,” she said.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to email inspector@edenvalespca.co.za or inspector2@edenvalespca.co.za
