Concern is growing over a small group of dogs living at the Weltevreden Landfill Site as a local animal welfare organisation and volunteers intensify efforts to safely trap and rescue them before more lives are lost.

According to information gathered during a search conducted by volunteers from SPOT (Sunny’s Pet Outreach Team) on June 14, there are believed to be about seven dogs remaining in the area, including puppies estimated to be around four months old.

The dogs are believed to have originated from the former Plastic City informal settlement. Evidence collected during the search, including numerous paw prints and sightings reported by workers and community members, suggests the dogs move across a vast area stretching from the 1922 Miner’s Strike memorial site, across the road and deep into the landfill, extending as far as the back of The Rock Raceway.

While volunteers were unable to locate the dogs during the search, they believe they have identified a frequently used movement corridor based on the concentration of tracks found in the area.

The urgency of the rescue effort has been underscored by two recent incidents. Firstly, the carcass of a dog was discovered near Oval Road.

The dog is believed to have been one of the remaining members of the pack and may have been struck by a passing vehicle.

Then, in an incident on the morning of June 16, one of the landfill dogs became trapped in a metal skip after getting her head stuck through an opening.

SPOT contacted the Brakpan SPCA for assistance, and staff members were dispatched to the scene. The dog was eventually freed from the metal opening through the combined efforts of SPCA staff and security personnel on site.

However, she remained trapped inside the skip, terrified, injured, and highly distressed.
Through determination and teamwork, rescuers were able to safely secure her and transport her to the SPCA.

The extent of her injuries, however, proved too severe, and to prevent further suffering, the decision was made to humanely euthanise her.

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The incident has highlighted the harsh realities faced by the remaining dogs and reinforced concerns that, without intervention, more animals may face traumatic injuries, vehicle collisions, starvation, or other unimaginable cruelty.

SPOT says trapping remains the only realistic way to safely secure the remaining dogs as they are entirely feral with no trust in humans, but the process comes with its own challenges.

Humane traps cannot be left unattended due to the risk of theft or vandalism, creating a significant obstacle for volunteers who are already stretched thin.

“We can’t do this alone,” said SPOT in an appeal to the community.

“These dogs have already survived unimaginable hardship. We are desperately trying to prevent more painful and violent deaths, but trapping requires people on the ground to keep watch over the equipment and alert us when a dog has been safely captured.”

The organisation is appealing directly to Brakpan’s security companies, the CPF, neighbourhood watch groups, and community safety organisations to assist by donating their time.

Volunteers are requesting that companies consider donating a single shift, day or night, or even a few hours at a time to monitor the trap.

If a dog enters the trap, volunteers will arrange transport and take over the rescue process. The request is simply for extra eyes and a community presence to help protect the equipment and support the operation.

The rescue effort has already highlighted the compassion that exists within the community. During Tuesday’s rescue, two security guards at the Weltevreden Landfill Site, worked alongside SPCA staff to free the trapped dog.

In the process, they broke their own bolt cutter while trying to save the dog. Their actions have been praised as an example of the kind of community spirit needed to help the remaining animals.

“Brakpan has always been a community that stands together in times of need,” said SPOT.

“We understand the pressures businesses face and that time is money. We know security companies and CPF members already do so much for our community. But today we are asking for a donation of time, just a few hours, a patrol, or a shift. These animals cannot rescue themselves.”

With winter conditions, heavy vehicle traffic, and the dangers of life within an active landfill, animal welfare workers fear that time is running out for the remaining dogs.

The hope is that, through a coordinated community effort, the surviving dogs can be trapped and safely removed.

Community members, security companies, CPF structures, neighbourhood watch groups, and businesses willing to assist are encouraged to contact SPOT to discuss how they can help monitor the trapping operation.

Contact SPOT by calling or sending a WhatsApp to 072 689 1767, email to sanbos2005@gmail.com or info@s-p-o-t.co.za, or find them on Facebook (SPOT – Sunny’s Pet Outreach Team NPC – Brakpan).