Warning: The contents of this article might be upsetting to some readers. 

The Van Aarde family is mourning the loss of their furry friend, Wolfie, who was shot in the street after accidentally escaping from their yard on Strydom Street in Meyerville on January 16, reports the Ridge Times.

Wolfie was a purebred Husky and lived with the family since he was five-weeks-old. He was almost two-years-old. According to Carin van Aarde, Wolfie was like a child in their home, a true part of the family.

“He was not violent or a threat to people. He loved taking walks and cuddles,” explained Van Aarde.

She believes that when Wolfie was shot, he did not understand why he was walking along that route. She explained that Wolfie used to enjoy playing in water pools at the local park where they often took him on walks.

According to Van Aarde, Wolfie was only outside for about 35 minutes while the family had visitors. When the visitors left, the dog had made his way home, with blood pouring from his sides.

Van Aarde initially thought another dog had bitten Wolfie, and the family rushed him to a vet, but unfortunately, it was too late.

“He fell over and started getting stiff. He died in my arms,” said Van Aarde.

According to Van Aarde, nobody in the area had heard any gunshots during the time Wolfie was outside. The family believes he was shot with a hunting rifle due to the size of the wound on the dog’s side.

The bullet used could not be recovered because the shot had fired clean through the dog’s side. Van Aarde is baffled over what heartless person would do such a thing.

“It is murder,” she said.

Van Aarde is concerned that if this situation is left unreported, it might happen again. She also stated that firing a firearm in a residential area is illegal.

This incident has left the family in shock, and according to Van Aarde, it traumatised their children. Losing a family member so senselessly has left them distraught and searching for answers.

“Dogs get out of their yards all the time, but shooting them for no good reason is cruel,” said Van Aarde.

The Van Aarde family requests that anyone with information come forward.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.