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, concerned resident Leon Wienand contacted SPCA inspector, Elize van Rooyen on Tuesday evening.
Insp. van Rooyen found the dog in an emaciated condition in Aviary Hill, and transported the dog to the SPCA.
The animal was so starved, it savagely bolted down food and water, yet Insp. van Rooyen found herself unable to loosen the heavy chain around its neck.
Thus, the dog was taken to the Ncandu Animal Clinic on Wednesday morning.
Veterinarian, Barry Rafferty anaesthetized the dog and attempted to free the animal from its suffering, each link of the chain having to be torn from the neck.
“The chain had been bound so tightly, the flesh had literally grown into the metal links,” said Advertiser photographer, Elize van Helsdingen.
Thanks to Mr Wienand, 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.
The dog has since been renamed Rocky.
Mr Wienand said he would have loved to have given the dog a home, as he used to train German Shepherds, but three small dogs of his own had ruled this possibility out.
Nevertheless, Rocky has since been offered hope by a young resident.
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 space to move, and the collar must not be too tight.
The article published on the Newcastle Advertiser’s website resulted in a mass uproar from the community, some of whom suggested the owner be subjected to the same cruel treatment as he/she put the German Shepherd through.
Nicolene Fourie said: “Rest assure, YOU WILL GET YOUR DAY YOU LOW LIFE B*****D!!!”
Karen Wilson mentioned the puppy murder case which appeared in this publication once upon a time, stating this case would bring horror to the animal lovers.
“Neighbours will hopefully find the ba*t**d who did this and do the same to him Oh yes i also support kangaroo courts so kick the s..t out of them then hang a burning tyre around chained neck.”
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.
