Responding to a call by a concerned member of the community, the team of The Animal Guardians (TAG) jumped into action to rescue a shepherd-cross and her pup from certain death on March 31.

According to Annie Jungmann, founder of the Cloverdene-based animal welfare organisation, the dogs were abandoned in a veld on Holfontein Road, Breswol AH, Springs, with their feet bound with plastic bags.

The animals were scared, emaciated and riddled with mange.

“We suspect that they were dumped in the early hours of the morning”, she said.

“They were tied up and left to die the most horrible death, through starvation, completely exposed to the elements and unable to move to safety.”

Safely in the care of TAG, both dogs received a gentle medicated bath to treat the mange, a contagious skin disease caused by microscopic parasitic mites that burrow into or live on the skin, resulting in intense itching, hair loss, scabs and thickened skin.

“They enjoyed a well-deserved meal,” said an emotional Jungmann.

“Here they will receive all the care they deserve until they have recovered from the ordeal. Thereafter, they will become eligible for adoption, to go to homes where they will experience unconditional love, without fear of being abandoned.”

To maintain specialised care for these, as well as all the other animals that call the shelter home, members of the community are encouraged to support its ongoing fundraising efforts.

Donations can be made to TAG Standard Bank (Cheque Account), Account number: 10106261256, Branch code: 051001. Use the reference “Abandoned Pups”

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