Neighbour alerts SPCA to beaten dog in Impala Park

The Boksburg SPCA confiscated two husky/chow cross breeds from a home in Impala Park on January 27 after finding one of the dogs had sustained injuries from being beaten, allegedly by its owner.

According to Boksburg SPCA manager Vicky Finnemore, the society responded to a frantic call from a resident who said she heard her neighbour beating his dog.

“The woman believed the dog might be dead, judging by the sounds she heard and said she had heard these beatings on previous occasions, but that it was difficult to get video footage to prove so.

“She had also seen the dog strapped to the side of a broken precast wall to restrain it,” said Finnemore.

An inspector rushed to the address but was denied access by the owner to inspect the animals.

“A warrant to enter the premises was applied for at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court and the inspectors returned with assistance from the SAPS to investigate the complaint.

“Authorities were delayed entry by the owner for almost 20 minutes.

“Once inside the property, our inspectors located the two male dogs of about two years old. One of the dogs had sustained severe blows to the top of its head.

“The injured dog was lethargic and beneath his matted fur just skin and bone.

“It was evident the garden, walls and dogs had been hosed down before our inspectors entered,” said Finnemore.

Both animals were immediately seized and rushed to a veterinarian.

Finnemore said the owner was quiet during the confiscation and had no explanation for his dog’s injuries.

At around 05:00 on Thursday, the vet confirmed the injured animal had been bludgeoned over the head with a blunt object.

“X-rays showed there were no fractures to the skull but that the dog would have to be closely monitored for internal haemorrhaging over the weekend.

“The dog’s eyes were swollen shut and his forehead was almost twice its normal size.”

Finnemore said the two dogs survived the weekend and are now in good spirits.

“The swelling is slowly going down and pain is being managed.

“We even took a trip to the parlour for some pampering.

“Both dogs are fantastic, good-natured and lovable. It’s beyond us why anyone would want to harm these animals.

“The SPCA believes there is reasonable evidence to lay criminal charges against the owner of these dogs and will proceed with doing so.

“We commend the complainant for reporting this animal cruelty crime to the SPCA.

“Animal cruelty comes in many forms. A lot of the time, ignorance is to blame.

“When prosecuting alleged animal abusers, intent needs to be proved. This is often difficult because in many cases, the only witnesses are the animals involved.

“We need our communities to report, photograph and video animal cruelty as it happens, and we know this is not always easy,” she highlighted.

Finnemore appealed to community members to help inspectors continue the good work they are doing by donating R50 towards the society’s work.

To EFT a donation of any amount, use Boksburg SPCA, ABSA, branch code 630 442, account number 404 638 8139 (with inspectorate as reference).

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