Boksburg SPCA nurses neglected pit bull back to health

“I don’t want my dog anymore. Come fetch it.”

According to Boksburg SPCA inspector Vicky Finnemore, these are cold, careless words that the society’s reception staff hear far too often, words that recently led to the rescue of a four-year-old female pit bull terrier named Bella.

“Our driver is on the road every day in Vosloorus, collecting unwanted, sick and injured animals. By late afternoon, he returns to the SPCA with a trailer full of frightened animals – wary eyes peering out, each one carrying a story of neglect.

“For many, we are their final stop. Some are too far gone, and their suffering can only end through humane euthanasia.

“Among last Friday’s load of weary souls, Bella stood out,” said Finnemore.

Bella was found in a shocking state, covered from head to tail in ticks.

“Her body was so overwhelmed by parasites that it was hard to believe she was still standing. When our inspectors saw her, there was silence – a shared disbelief that anyone could allow a dog to reach such a condition. Someone mumbled, ‘Should we try to save her?’”

Bella, broken but not beaten, lifted her head and gently licked Finnemore’s hand.

“That single gesture gave us our answer. That night, she was given Bravecto and a safe place to rest. By the next morning, every single tick had fallen from her body – dead,” Finnemore recalled.

Bella was then taken to a local veterinarian.

“We were sure she had biliary (tick-bite fever) or even ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne bacterial disease. But blood tests revealed something extraordinary – no infection. Bella was weak and anaemic, but alive. Against all odds, she had survived.”

Today, Bella is clean, comfortable and slowly healing at the Boksburg SPCA.

“Her wounds are being treated, her skin is being soothed and her spirit is gradually being restored.

“Bella’s story is a powerful reminder of why SPCAs exist. Without us, where would Bella be today?

“Who would have paid for her treatment or taken the time to nurse her back to health? Who would drive into underprivileged communities to educate schools and instil compassion for animals?”

Finnemore expressed gratitude to Angela Brinkley of The Doggy Parlour, who gave Bella a much-needed day of pampering.

As for Bella’s former owner, Finnemore says the case will not be ignored.

“This is not a matter where he can claim ignorance. The Boksburg SPCA fully intends to pursue prosecution,” she said.

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