Three dogs, in the back of a Ford Bantam belonging to the Lower South Coast SPCA, were burnt to death as a result of the vehicle being set alight yesterday evening (May 19).

This took place in Nkampini, inland from Southbroom.

Jacques Peacock, public relations officer from the National Council of SPCAs, said the Uvongo based society, had been left traumatised by the news of the arson.

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Peacock said the Lower South Coast SPCA received notification from its vehicle tracking company last night that the vehicle had transmitted an emergency signal.

“The tracking company, SPCA personnel and the Saps Search and Rescue Unit initiated a search for the driver and vehicle. At that stage, it was unknown whether the vehicle was transporting animals or not,” he said.

The vehicle was found with three dogs in the back. They had been burnt alive.

“The amount of suffering these animals must have endured is unimaginable. The driver was found unharmed, but confused, early this morning,” said Peacock.

Peacock said it is ‘barbaric’ that anyone would commit such a heinous act against the SPCA, especially considering it is a non-profit organisation with extremely limited resources.

This struggling SPCA has been serving its community to the best of its ability, but this malicious act has brought operational capacity to a standstill.

The SPCA’s vehicles offer a lifeline to countless animals in need and, without it, the SPCA cannot reach those animals which require assistance.

Peacock said this treasonous act should be condemned by the community in the strongest terms. He called on Saps to ensure swift and stringent action against those responsible.

The NSPCA appeals to all individuals, organisations and companies to assist the LSC SPCA with donations and/or assistance towards replacing the vehicle or loaning one.

With already limited recourses, the SPCA cannot afford to go a single day without a vehicle.

Mike Davis, LSC SPCA manager, can be contacted on 060 5020427.

Donations can be made directly to the Lower South Coast SPCA at:
BANK: Nedbank Limited
Branch code 198765
Account no. 1184618100
Reference: Vehicle

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