Animal abuse claims investigated in Mozambique
Animal welfare authorities investigated the issue after reported ill-treatment of animals had been alleged.
MBOMBELA – A recent post about alleged animal neglect at a lodge in Mozambique on the Nelspruiters and Moz Info groups on Facebook, had Lowveld dog lovers hot under the collar.
However, these concerns were put to rest after an investigation by Mozambican authorities.
The post, made by Ms Irma Viljoen of Standerton, suggested animal abuse on the premises of a well-known lodge just north of Marracuene, Mozambique. Viljoen reported that she and her family had come across a disturbing sight during their holiday in October. “We slept over at a lodge near Marracuene, Maputo where the sounds of dogs in despair had alerted us. Further inspection revealed that more than 10 of them had been stuffed in tiny cages and tied up with restricting chains.”
She reported the issue on various Facebook groups, including Moz Info and Nelspruiters. Her post, however, was removed from the latter. The dogs belong to Mr Gert Cruywagen, who employed them to sniff out land mines. “The dogs are staying at the lodge as I am awaiting the approval of our next contract. While at the lodge, they are receiving adequate care. Both the state veterinarian and the Mozambican Animal Protection Society (MAPS) can attest to that,” Cruywagen said on enquiry.
Following Viljoen’s report, MAPS’ Mr Tiago Ribeiro and president Ms Moira Felgate inspected the situation. On Wednesday they reported that all the dogs were healthy. “They are chained, but have access to their kennels.” According to Felgate, the canines spend ample time out of their kennels. Two kennels were not in adequate shade. We requested that these be moved to an area with more shade.” Felgate confirmed that a veterinarian had performed health checks on them and that they had been dewormed, vaccinated and given multivitamins.
“There is a full-time carer in charge of the dogs, who has been with them for a number of years. He interacts well with them and the animals are clearly very fond of him. Each dog is walked every day. We observed the canines for some time and interacted with them and found them to be non-aggressive and showing no signs of stress.” Felgate and Ribeiro recommended that they be placed on longer chains. “The dogs’ owner committed to surrendering the dogs to MAPS, should it turn out that there is no more work for them,” she said.
“We will ensure that they have a good retirement.” This concerned Viljoen, as Mozambique had been declared free of land mines. MAPS and Viljoen have requested anyone who can sponsor toys, shade or any other resources to fulfill the dogs’ needs to contact them via Facebook.
