Snare-trapped dog is lucky to be alive
Mila is recovering at home, with a healthy appetite and lots of care.
A Marburg farming family is counting their blessings after their dog, Mila, was found alive after spending eight days trapped in a snare deep in dense bush.
Mila went missing from her home and was eventually located at the bottom of a gorge near the Boboyi River after a neighbour, Alan Palmer, reported hearing a dog whimpering on April 19.
Acting on the information, the dog’s owners Scott Kvalsvig and Stefanie Di-Sante, immediately set off to search just after 05:00.
After much calling, they heard Mila crying and were able to locate their missing pet in the thicket.
Mila had managed to chew through the wood securing the snare, but then got stuck again when the piece of wood became lodged in a root.
The family described the rescue as a miracle and expressed relief that Mila survived the ordeal, although she endured serious and painful injuries from the trap.
The wire had cut deeply into her neck, and she required extensive veterinary care, including many stitches to the lacerations.
“She is now at home and recovering well, with a healthy appetite and lots of care,” said Kvalsvig, who thanked veterinarian Dr Hugo Voigts and Dr Kirsten van Stryp, for their compassion and skill in treating the wounds.
While the outcome was positive, Kvalsvig said the search for Mila was made more distressing by scammers who attempted to extort money from the family. The individuals falsely claimed to have the dog and demanded payment for her return.
“These people caused severe stress and additional trauma for our family,” he said. “A special friend of mine was able to trace the cell number to a ‘burner phone’ with no details or address linked – so we immediately knew not to entertain their evil demands.
The incident has highlighted the ongoing danger posed by illegal snares, which continue to injure and kill animals and wildlife in the area.
“Mila was fortunate to survive, but many animals do not,” Kvalsvig said, calling on everyone to work together to remove snares and prevent further harm.
The family also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they received from the community.
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