Dog thrown from OR Tambo balcony: Tourist under investigation
A dog had to be humanely euthanised after its owner allegedly threw it over an airport balcony.
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has launched an investigation following a disturbing incident involving a tourist who allegedly threw her dog from a balcony at OR Tambo International Airport on Friday.
The incident was reported to senior inspector Arno de Klerk at around 11:00 on Friday by a state veterinary officer who called the NSPCA to notify them of an incident involving severe animal abuse.
The tourist, a French national travelling from France to Johannesburg en route to Brazil, arrived in South Africa on Wednesday.
On Friday morning, security footage captured her strolling through OR Tambo’s Atrium area with her small black dog.
The footage then appears to show the woman lifting her dog and throwing it over the balcony railing.
The three-story fall was not fatal, but the dog sustained grave injuries, lying on the ground bleeding and struggling for life.
Airport staff immediately alerted the Kempton Park SPCA and its inspectors went to assist the severely injured animal.
Veterinary professionals confirmed that the dog had suffered extensive internal injuries and ultimately had to be humanely euthanised.
Officials at OR Tambo International Airport promptly suspended the tourist’s flight to Brazil as they searched for her at the airport.
Despite a thorough check of the passenger manifest, she was not listed among those who had boarded the flight.
Senior inspector Denise Govender from the NSPCA was assigned to pursue criminal charges against the woman with the local SAPS.
The NSPCA expressed its profound shock and condemnation of the incident.
In a statement, it affirmed its dedication to ensuring justice, pledging that it would not rest until those responsible for animal cruelty face the consequences.
“The NSPCA remains steadfast in its commitment to hold accountable anyone involved in animal cruelty, regardless of nationality or age.”
While Kempton Express is awaiting official comment from SAPS, reports indicate that the woman is now at a health facility.
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