Outreach in Thembalihle turns into heartache

JSPCA’s Liana Marx said three dogs were removed from their owner in Thembalilhe after what can only be described as inhumane treatment of an animal.

The old boy called Rex collapsed on the ground, clearly struggling to breathe.

“His condition was bad, the old boy struggled to open his eyes. With his body covered in open wounds and a skeletal frame, we are sure the old boy was slowly fading away.

“The pup with no name was lying next to a dustbin, scratching his open skin in an attempt to get rid of the itch. His skin condition is so bad he had open wounds over his body with dried blood over the wounds,” explained Marx.

The sad part is that people left the dogs to get to such a bad state that they reach a point of no return. As the body starts to shut down, these animals are just left to die, without anyone showing any love or compassion in their last hours.

“The third dog that at first glance almost looks like a Chinese crested was just skin and bone. We have seen some skinny dogs in our years at the SPCA but this was just beyond words.

“Nothing prepares you for seeing the extent of damage done to animals, and what shocks, even more, is the lack of sheer compassion or humanity shown by the owners.”

She said the animals had a severe case of mange, were extremely malnourished and petrified of humans. It took us almost 20 minutes to try and catch the old boy.

“Humans were supposed to look after their pets. The sad part is that humans forget animals also have feelings. They also need compassion and have basic requirements, like water and food, something people seem to forget about, as we have been seeing so many animals who have not had a meal or a bowl of water in days,” said Marx.

When inspector Ronald Ramalata from the JSPCA asked why they did not take the dog for treatment they stated someone gave the dogs fish and since then their hair started falling out; they thought it was normal.

“After a while, we managed to load all three dogs. A case of cruelty will be opened against the owner. Sadly, due to the extreme conditions these animals were in, they were humanely euthanised.

“No animal deserves to be treated like this. It is disgusting what they must go through by the hands of humans, yet we have to rely on the compassionate care and love of animal people to help us fight the fight,” she said.

Donations welcome

To enable JSPCA to continue their work they need funds. If you can find it in your heart to make donations, herewith the banking details: FNB Southdale, branch code 254 205, account number 623 6250 8396, account holder JHB SPCA and your reference is Inspectors Fund.

You can also donate any unwanted goods towards our charity shop, as all the goods sold helps to generate funds to purchase dog and cat food.

For more information send an email to Liana at pr@jhbspca.co.za