Dog rescued from chained hell

A German Shepherd has endured literal hell, with the steel links of a chain sunk so deeply into the flesh of its neck, putrid and pus-filled open wounds had formed. The animal was so near death, it could barely stand or walk.

Revolted at the disgusting conditions the dog was abandoned in, a concerned resident contacted SPCA inspector, Elize van Rooyen on Tuesday evening. Insp. van Rooyen found the German Shepherd wandering around Aviary Hill in an emaciated condition, and transported the dog to the SPCA.

The German Shepherd was so starved, it savagely bolted down food and water, yet Insp. van Rooyen was unable to loosen the chain around its neck. The dog was taken to the Ncandu Animal Clinic on Wednesday morning, where it was placed under anesthetic in order for veterinarian, Barry Rafferty to free the animal from its suffering.

Each link of the chain had to be torn from the flesh of the dog’s neck, as it had been bound so tightly, the flesh had literally grown into the metal links. The dog whined in agony, shortly before Dr Rafferty and his team cleaned the suppurating, foul-smelling wound.

Thanks to the resident who reported the cruel treatment of the German Shepherd, the quick response of the SPCA and the expert surgery performed by the Ncandu Animal Clinic, the dog is now recovering at the SPCA, and will be put up for adoption as soon as it has recovered from its injuries.

Insp. van Rooyen said according to the Animal Protection Act, it is illegal to fasten a chain onto a dog’s bare skin, which is why leather collars have been invented. A restrained dog must be fastened to a runner to give the animal more space to move about, and owners must ensure the collar is not fitted too tightly.

Anyone with information on the owner(s) of the German Shepherd are urged to contact the SPCA on 034 318 2346.

“This is a shocking case of abuse and the SPCA wish to take it further,” Insp. van Rooyen concluded.