MADADENI – A factory owner from Madadeni is under investigation, after he allegedly hit a dog with a garden fork before burying it on his property.
Also see: Puppies to be used for bait if not sold
Heather Gero of the SPCA was notified of the matter on May 30.
“Witnesses contacted the SPCA and said they saw a grey medium sized dog being beaten with what appeared to be a garden fork. According to them, there was a lot of blood and the perpetrators allegedly buried the dog in the corner of their property,” Mrs Gero said.
While rushing to the scene, she received another telephone call to say the dog was not dead, but had dug its way out of the shallow grave.
“We arrived at the factory and found the owners of the property uncooperative. After we were eventually allowed on the premises, we searched the property and found the spot where the dog was buried.”
However, the dog was not there.
“The factory owner admitted she had hit the dog with a garden fork, because it was eating her chickens.”
Mrs Gero said the factory owner claimed the dog escaped from the property, after she had hit it.
“We found this strange, as the property is completely secure. Furthermore, regardless if the dog had killed her chickens, it is against the law to injure any animal, whether it is in your property or not. If there is a strange animal in your yard, call the SPCA immediately on 034 318 2346,” she said.
SPCA Inspector, Elize van Rooyen returned the following day to continue investigations.
“Inspector van Rooyen was met animosity and rudeness. She could not find the dog, nor could she find out what had transpired the night before,” said Mrs Gero.
While no dog or carcass was found, evidence confirming the report has been found, and the SPCA will be instituting legal action.
“This type of behaviour is unacceptable. If we receive a report of animal cruelty, we have to investigate and expect to be assisted when doing this. Should we come against a lack of cooperation, we will contact the police to assist us,” Mrs Gero concluded.
