Security dog found dead in Waterfall Retirement Village
FOURWAYS – The state of security dogs at Waterfall Retirement Village has come into question after one of the dogs was found dead.
News of a security dog that was found dead and others who appeared to have been neglected at the Waterfall Retirement Village has the community up in arms.
The security at the complex is run by 7 Arrows and they contract Canine Solutions to provide the dogs for guarding purposes. Following the uproar on social media about the state of the dogs, an investigation was launched and the dogs were removed from the kennels immediately.
“Our contract with all of our clients state that they are responsible for the day-to-day upkeep of the dogs which includes feeding, grooming, cleaning of the kennels, reporting of any issues with the dogs and patrolling with the dogs,” said Samantha Straub from Canine Solutions.
Straub explained that Canine Solutions visits the dogs on a regular basis and do on-site training with the handlers and dogs. Should a dog be reported ill, they will fetch the dog for medical treatment. According to her, Canine Solutions and 7 Arrows have had a happy and successful relationship for over 10 years. “Unfortunately, in our line of business, as in life, we experience unexpected but tragic losses. These incidents are always investigated [like the one at] Waterfall,” concluded Straub.
Elyse Golovey from 7 Arrows added, “Like many security companies, 7Arrows employs the use of trained dogs to assist our people in securing the environments that we serve. These dogs are seen as crucial members of our team and, as animal lovers, most 7Arrows staff are grateful to be able to work with a canine partner.”
However, according to Golovey’s statement, Canine Solutions is a wholly separate, unaffiliated company, and is responsible for planning the dogs’ training, feeding and medical care. The dogs typically patrol at night, and during the day are left to sleep in their kennels.
“Over the years, this has proven to be a successful approach, not only have 7Arrows’ K9 officers been successful in reducing crime, but they have also been well cared for,” said Golovey.
“A recent incident at one of the estates guarded by 7Arrows, where a dog, that was in a seemingly good condition, passed away has been reported on social media. 7Arrows is investigating this, and will continue to do so until we are satisfied with the findings.”
This will include reasons surrounding the cause of death and any concerns arising from the other dogs’ health and care.
“We would like to find the best solution for the current dogs at hand, with their best interests in mind. This will include the future use of K9 officers at such sites and the use of service providers to care for these animals,” concluded Golovey.
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Tracey Saayman, a concerned resident, said that when she saw the pictures on social media she was greatly worried about the welfare of security dogs in general. “These animals have no voice of their own and I feel that somebody must take a stand to defend these helpless animals,” she said.
Fourways Review contacted Waterfall Country Estate manager, Grant Poole, however, no comment was received at the time of publication.
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