Two dogs saved from becoming someone’s lunch
According to Ms Marcelle Hoffman, inspector and chairman of Baberton SPCA, she received information about the killing of dogs three weeks ago and that another was to be killed last week.
LYDENBURG – Two Boerboel puppies were confiscated from a premises in Lange Street after Barberton SPCA was informed about alleged slaughtering of dogs behind the business.
According to Ms Marcelle Hoffman, inspector and chairman of Baberton SPCA, she received information about the killing of dogs three weeks ago and that another was to be killed last week.
The dog meat was said to be consumed by foreigners who were tenants in the dwelling behind the business. It is not known whether they are legal or illegal immigrants.
“I drove to Lydenburg last Thursday after it was reported that another dog was to be slaughtered. The owner of the four dogs on the premises was, however, nowhere to be found,” she said.
Hoffman gave Ms Cathy Schutte of Home4Paws instructions to remove the dogs the following day.
When Schutte, accompanied by Phoenix Flying Squad, K9 and Mounted Security Squad, arrived at the premises on Friday, only two Boerboel pups were found.
According to other tenants on the property, the owner of the dogs removed two of the animals from the premises after Hoffman left last Thursday.
Mr Jandré Stander of Phoenix said that he would be able to trace the owner if he was provided with his cellphone number, but none of the tenants had the number.
The two pups were loaded into the security vehicles and taken to Home4Paws.
On the premises another shocking discovery was made.
Chickens, each tied up, with no room to move and no food or water, were cut loose by members of Phoenix and placed in the security vehicles.
The owner of the chickens was not present. According to Hoffman it is not illegal to kill dogs, but the way in which it had allegedly been done, by cutting their throats, is in contravention of the Animal Protection Act.
“Dogs should be shot or euthanised in a humane manner,” she stated.
According to information given to the SPCA, the owner of the dog allegedly butchered them with a kitchen knife.
No arrests have been made as the identity of the owner of the dogs could not be established. Hoffman said that if she had been notified earlier she could have investigated the scene for evidence of the alleged slaughtering.
It is suspected that the scene had been cleaned of potential evidence after the owner was warned about the SPCA’s intent to investigate.
“We (the SPCA) should be informed of situations immediately. Because Lydenburg does not have an SPCA we still have to drive 140 kilometres to reach the scene,” she said. She requested people to stop breeding and giving dogs away for free to “good homes”.
“People slaughtering dogs focus mainly on medium breeds. They will not slaughter a chihuahua for instance.”
Schutte said on Monday that the pups were healthy and doing well.
“The sad part is that these dogs have no clue how to react towards humans. When petted, they have no idea how to react. They are not used to being touched and it is clear that they have not been handled with affection,” she said.
Hoffman said she expects an increase in such activity especially with the tough economic times being faced.
She said any animal cruelty cases or natural disasters concerning animals should be reported to the SPCA as soon as possible.
Hoffman can be reached on
082-462-1457.
