Puppies rescued from Centurion stormwater drain face urgent medical fight

Six puppies were recently rescued from a stormwater drain along Hendrik Potgieter Street in Centurion.

The dogs had endured difficulty, following a series of rescue efforts carried out by Pretoria Dog Rescue and a concerned resident.

Pretoria Dog Rescue manager, Celia van Zyl, said the puppies were born inside the drain, where they had been living in filth, and struggling to survive.

“Imagine being born in a drain, living in filth, and fighting for survival from the very start. That’s the tragic reality for these precious puppies,” she said.

On September 18, a woman who had already rescued four of the puppies from a stormwater pipe near the Pretoria Dog Rescue shelter contacted Van Zyl for help to save the remaining two. The area was located next to a busy road, and the woman was unable to reach them.

“In spite of my elderly status, I am quite small and could fit into the drain. Besides that, the plight of these innocent dogs left me no other option,” said Van Zyl.

“I had to crawl into this narrow drain several times, with a rope tied to my feet so I could be pulled out if I got stuck.”

After several attempts, she managed to pull out one puppy that was screaming for help.

However, the last remaining puppy, about six weeks old, stayed in the pipe for another week before finally being rescued on September 25 after many failed attempts.

“He was all alone and petrified. He was also ill with biliary and had to be rushed to the vet,” Van Zyl explained.

According to Van Zyl, both puppies are now in their care, and the one trapped for a week still struggles with anxiety and is only starting to trust people now.

Meanwhile, one of the four puppies that the woman initially rescued and rehomed was returned to her on September 23 after it became sick.

Van Zyl said the puppy was extremely ill and, sadly, passed away that week. It was discovered that three others were infected shortly after this.

“On Monday evening, September 29, the lady approached us to help the remaining three puppies,” said Van Zyl.

She added that one of the three, which was also infected, passed away a couple of days later before receiving proper medical care.

Only four of the six rescued puppies remain alive.

“The remaining puppies are being monitored closely, but one is in critical condition.”

The organisation is appealing for help to cover the mounting veterinary costs to prevent further loss, and the cause of the illness is still being investigated.

“We initially thought it was parvovirus infection, but the puppies tested negative, and the vet is still checking,” Van Zyl said.

“The puppies are experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, dehydration, and a compromised immune system. Without immediate treatment, they risk septic shock, heart damage, and even death.”

Van Zyl said rescues like this happen quite often, and the organisation assists whenever possible.

“We try our best to help with the ones we get notified about and offer help where we can,” she said.

The experience has been emotionally and financially difficult for the team.

“It really affects us a lot. I am extremely sad because the dog that got infected by the first one before it died was still so small.

“I tried my best to help, but we didn’t have enough time or the means to pay for treatment, and unfortunately, it passed away.”

Despite the challenges, Van Zyl said her love for animals keeps her going.

“I really love animals, and whenever a dog crosses my path that needs help, I do everything I can to assist,” she said.

“It’s not always easy, but I keep faith that things will get better. We are pro-life, and the lives of helpless animals truly matter.”

She urged pet owners to take better care of their animals to prevent unnecessary suffering.

“I would just like to advise people to take care of their dogs and pets, make sure that they go to the vet, and ensure they are healthy,” she said.

Van Zyl added that the organisation is struggling to cover the growing vet bills and is appealing for financial help to ensure the surviving puppies receive the treatment they need.

She said any assistance from the public would make a difference in helping the puppies recover and live healthy lives.

Anyone who would like to help or make a donation can contact Celia van Zyl at 082 569 266 or go to www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-save-3-parvo-puppies-born-in-a-drain.

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