Chain your dog and face the consequences, says SPCA

The Durban & Coast SPCA has issued a warning to all pet owners to refrain from keeping their dogs chained, or they could face a hefty fine, reports the Northglen News.

This comes after an inspector was called out to Rinaldo Road in Glenhills where a Staffie was being chained in the property.

“A warning was issued to the homeowner and scheduled checkups will be done,” said SPCA spokesperson, Lindsey Concer.

She said the owner alleged that the dog was being chained because he would jump over the fence into a neighbour’s yard.

Concer said a person found guilty of animal abuse, according to the Animal Protection Act, could face a R60 000 fine or three years in prison.

The animal activist said dogs are only allowed to be chained temporally, in instances, for example where the property is not properly fenced.

“In these instances the owner needs to use a five metre-long running chain, so that the dog can have freedom to move.

The situation needs to be resolved so that the dog can be unchained. It is cruel to keep an animal confined indefinitely,” she said.

What’s more, she said chaining was an extremely common issue in Durban.

“There are many people living in properties where there is no fencing,” she said.

While many people tend to comply after being approached by SPCA inspectors, she said there were some cases that have shocked and outraged staff.

“We have seen cases where the owner did not adjust the collar or chain so it cut into the animal’s skin as it grew, in some cases the skin even grew around the chain. We have even arrived at homes only to find a dead dog at the end of a chain, where a lack of food, water and or shelter took its toll. This is unacceptable,” she said.

An anonymous resident said she was shocked by ‘rampant animal neglect’ in the Glenhills area.

“In the past I have approached residents in the area about chaining their dogs. I know of at least two owners who have done so. Many people also allow their dogs to roam the streets,” she said.

The resident said she had approached the owners and appealed to them to unchain their animals before reporting the issue to the Northglen News.

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