GRAPHIC IMAGES: Montclair dog to undergo amputation after being shot at by security guard
Shadow was out on his usual daily walkabout with his owner to a nearby garage when the incident happened on Friday, July 2.
A FOUR-YEAR-OLD Labrador will have its leg amputated after it was shot by a security guard in Montclair.
The dog, Shadow, was out on his usual daily walkabout with his owner to a nearby garage when the incident happened on Friday, July 2.
Founders of PB PAW Rescue Montclair and YWP, a newly formed animal rescue, Priya Naidoo and Belinda Harcombe, said the security guard was apparently startled and in turn jumped backward which caused the dog to bark.
“The guard then pulled out his gun despite the owner shouting ‘that’s my dog’. He shot Shadow twice. His owner and the garage staff were in total shock and rushed to assist him.”
“He was immediately rushed to the vet and on inspection, the doctor found that he was shot once through the chest and in his front leg. Luckily his chest wound had not hit his vital organs but his leg wound shattered the elbow,” they said.
Priya said the security guard now claims that the dog had attacked him but witness statements and videos taken refute this.
“We took his picture and some videos after the attack and there were no signs of an attack. He apologised to the owner and promised to sort things out as he was startled. Our concern is that he seemed trigger happy.”
“He could have been startled by a child,” she said. Shadow had a blood transfusion and while the doctor did everything possible to save the dog’s leg, amputation was the only solution. They were advised that the fracture was complicated.”
“We know this boy personally from when he was four months old. He is a beautiful and friendly boy who has never posed a threat to anyone. He gives us endless wet kisses and wags his tail for our kids.”
“He did not deserve this. His owner is devastated because to him, Shadow isn’t just his dog, it is his child and a member of his family. His actual statement was that he is such a strong man and that this was the first time he was helpless,” added Priya.
Belinda assured that the security guard’s company has been contacted and that they are doing their own investigation.
“We can’t understand how this could possibly have happened, what if this was a member of the public, a child? This behaviour is very concerning when someone is so trigger happy and now this poor boy has to pay the price.”
“A case has been opened at Montclair SAPS and all witness affidavits will be obtained and we will be following up to make sure justice is served for Shadow,” she said.
The pair asks that the community keeps Shadow in its prayers. An account has been set up at Montclair Animal Hospital for Shadow’s vet bill.
If you would like to contribute to the account Shadow 12552, visit the vet on 172 Wood Road, Montclair or call 031 462 7420.
Alternatively like the PB PAW Rescue Montclair and YWP Facebook page or call 084 202 0130 for more information.
Captain Derek Vijiam of Montclair police confirmed that a case was opened. “The case was filed as malicious damage to property and is currently under investigation,” he said.
***This article was updated to reflect Montclair Saps’ comment obtained after publication.
