The RandWest SPCA recently stepped in after a dog was found infested with maggots following a fight with another dog, however, the extent of the injuries meant the animal could not be saved.

SPCA manager René van Straten explained that she received an after-hours call from a community member reporting that their neighbour’s dog was in urgent need of help.

Van Straten immediately rushed to the property in Uitvalfontein and from the street could already see that the dog required immediate medical attention.

“It was later confirmed that there were two dogs on the property that had been fighting earlier in the week. Both dogs sustained severe injuries. One dog had already died, while the other was left untreated. The maggots were already eating half of the dog’s skull and brain. More eggs were visible all over the body. The dog was basically lifeless, just sitting and breathing shallowly. There were no signs of the other dog’s body,” said Van Straten.

According to Van Straten, as it was after hours, there was no time to obtain a warrant to remove the dog. With the assistance of community members, Van Straten entered the property and removed the animal.

“Since the owners were not home, a notice was left on the gate explaining that the dog had been removed and requesting that they contact the SPCA immediately. The dog was subsequently humanely euthanised to spare him from the unbearable suffering he had endured,” Van Straten said.

She added that, “What is even more angering is that the location of the dog was not even 5km from the SPCA office. How can the owners not seek help?”

The owner has still not made contact with the SPCA. Animal cruelty charges have since been laid.