A Kagiso resident has been charged with animal cruelty after hanging his dog from his washing line, causing it to strangle to death.
At approximately 9pm on 9 January, Inspector Mike Allen from the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA received a call from a resident in Kagiso, informing him of the incident.
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It is believed that the dog, which was well known in the community for being cheeky, nipped a child. The father of the child was overcome with rage, and threw the already chained dog over the washing line, leaving it to strangle to death.
Inspector Allen and Trainee Inspector Michelle Kok rushed to the scene, but the dog’s carcass had already been removed from the property.
Allen returned to the resident the next morning, and insisted that the man should go and collect the carcass and hand it over to him. The carcass was sent to a pathologist for a full report on how it died, and a case of animal cruelty was opened.
Mandy Cattanach, the manager at the SPCA, said that there are currently more than 100 registered animal cruelty dockets pending, adding that this total only included cases for the past two years.
Some of these cases include tail docking, ear cropping, withholding food, unnecessary chaining, burn wounds, denial of veterinary treatment and neglecting to take them for their vaccinations.
“The Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 is the law we uphold. All animals are sentient beings, and like humans, they have feelings, including fear, anger, empathy, kindness, sadness, pain, love and loss. Nobody has the right to abuse any creature in any way,” Cattanach said.
She said that animal abuse comes in many forms, and can include chaining in horrendous conditions, denial of food and water, inadequate shelter from the elements, beating, torturing and submitting an animal to any form of pain and suffering. “The worst type of abuse is undeniably dog fighting. This is definitely one of the most despicable crimes against animals,” said Cattanach.
She concluded by issuing a warning to all animal abusers, saying, “SPCA Inspectors will find you and you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Should a member of the public witness an act of cruelty against an animal, they should not hesitate to contact the SPCA on 011 672 0448.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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