WARNING: This article contains content that may upset sensitive readers.

A criminal case is under investigation by Tsakane SAPS after charges were laid by the Brakpan SPCA against an individual involved in an act of alleged bestiality.

Tamaryn Lombard, the Brakpan SPCA committee member responsible for public relations, told the Brakpan Herald the society was notified of the incident on Monday evening.

Staff responded immediately to assist. The dog, a female Africanis named Spike, was collected and brought to the society.

“She is owned by a family who love her very much,” said Lombard, adding the family is traumatised by the incident.

Lombard explained that details surrounding the incident cannot currently be disclosed while investigations are ongoing.

She also shared the society experienced difficulties securing after-hours veterinary assistance, with inspector Mariska Venter contacting several veterinarians without success.

“We were struggling to find a vet able to assist after hours. This is also a very specialised matter,” said Lombard.

A request for assistance from the SPCA’s sister society in Springs was answered, with the neighbouring society providing an animal evidence collection kit.

Spike spent the night in the Brakpan SPCA’s care and was attended to the following morning by Dr Clifford Bull at Craig View Veterinary Clinic in Boksburg, where she underwent a forensic exam.

From there, the SPCA headed to the Tsakane Police Station.

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Lombard praised the Tsakane SAPS, describing the assistance provided in opening the case as excellent.

When asked what lies ahead for Spike, Lombard said the priority is to ensure her safety while the legal process unfolds.

“Spike is safe now. She is loved, and she is healing. Her family loves her, and this nightmare was never their fault,” she said.

Gratitude was extended to Bull at Craig View Veterinary Clinic, for his unwavering skill and compassion, Friend of the Rottweiler Rescue and Re-home South Africa, who paid the vet bill, as well as staff at the Springs and Brakpan SPCAs.

The Brakpan SPCA is currently facing a financial crisis. To assist the society continue helping animals like Spike, members of the public are encouraged to donate.

The banking details are:

• Brakpan SPCA
• Standard Bank
• Account: 020 922 094
• Branch: 012 042
• Ref: Help and your surname
• POP: fundraising@brakpanspca.co.za
• Local or international donations can be made via https://pay.yoco.com/brakpan-spca