UPDATE: Dog bludgeoned to death in oSizweni

A near-fatal blow; drowning in his own blood, he takes his final gasp.

In what can only be described as an appalling atrocity, a dog was pummelled to death at a home in oSizweni on November 5.

SPCA Inspector, Elize van Rooyen, said she received a call from the owner, who claimed his pregnant wife and brother witnessed the incident.

“He told me the dog was beaten to death with a brick by their neighbour,” she explained.

The neighbour said he killed the dog because it chased his livestock. He beat the animal so severely, that what looked like its brains were found in its mouth.

“He told the family he was tired of stray dogs in the area, so he beat the dog’s brains in,” said a dejected Ms van Rooyen.

Expressing her disgust, she said it was traumatic to look at the photos without feeling nauseous.

The SPCA condemned the savage act, and said the guilty party would soon face the consequences of his actions.

Doctor Anne Mackenzie of Ncandu Animal Clinic performed the post mortem to determine if, in fact, the dog was struck with excessive force.

A portion of the report, quoted verbatim, read: “The dog had severe haemorrhage (bleeding) under the skin on top of the cranium (skull) and extending to the base of the skull. On dissection it was found that the cranium was fractured through the frontal bones onto the frontal sinuses on the left and right side. There was aspirated blood in the lungs and the stomach was full of blood that had been swallowed.”

Dr Mackenzie was of the opinion the dog suffered ‘blunt trauma to its head which resulted in its death’.

The findings were enough to send Ms van Rooyen into a fit of rage. However, she has made it her mission to ensure the perpetrator will be brought to book.

“The worst part is, the dog didn’t die immediately; he suffered,” said an irate Ms van Rooyen.

Ms van Rooyen has compiled an official docket, and plans to take action against the culprit within the week.

“The owner told me he hopes justice will be served. I told him, because I believe in God, I know it will be,” she concluded.

Report any form of animal cruelty to Newcastle SPCA on 034 318 2346. Alternatively, visit their offices on 1 Sampson Street, Barry Hertzog Park.

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