A shocking discovery was made after another warrant was issued to confiscate dogs. Seventeen adult dogs and five puppies were found being kept in absolute squalor. A total of 15 Greyhounds were rescued, with a cross-bred Chow and a cross-bred Collie making up the remaining adult breeds.
The conditions that the animals were living in were described as ‘appalling’ by the Roodepoort SPCA. The enclosure the animals were kept in was not big enough for one adult dog, let alone 17 adults. Nowhere could the Inspectors walk without treading in fresh or old faeces and urine. The dogs and their excrement were covered in flies, and the Inspectors had difficulty breathing. The reek of ammonia was so thick and pungent it caused the Inspectors’ eyes to well up.
Also Read:
https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2016/08/30/graphic-content-severely-injured-dogs-rescued-at-illegal-dog-fighting-gathering/
The food and water provided for the animals was also borderline non-existent. Several buckets were scattered around the enclosure but they contained nothing but fecal matter. There was no fresh water available for the dogs. As for food, all that was provided was a single rusty pot filled with old, dry maize meal. The dogs, driven to almost starvation, had resorted to eating plastic, old carpet and rubbish. Evidence of this can be seen in the elements of these inedible household items intermixed with the old pieces of faeces.
Sleeping conditions were equally abysmal. No dedicated area was sectioned for the dogs to rest. The only covered area masquerading as shelter was full of rubble, tyres and wheelrims. The steel structure had turned the area into a virtual sauna. Without the warrant being obtained to authorise the confiscation, the heat and lack of nutrition would have lead to these dogs dying soon. For this reason, the Roodepoort SPCA is looking for the owner to be prosecuted.
The motive for housing these animals like this is believed to be for hunting purposes. A covered trailer was found at the scene and the collection of faeces in the trailer indicates it was used to transport the dogs. Mandy Cattanach of the Roodepoort SPCA bemoaned the effect this style of hunting was having on the wildlife in the area. Cattanach said, “We have no wildlife left. These dogs are let loose in fields and they kill everything they can. Everything from rodents to a house cat. If these dogs catch something, they kill it.” She added, “Animal neglect is on the rise. We don’t understand why people have animals if they can not afford to look after them properly”.
Cattanach also pleaded for the community to assist. She asked that if anybody saw a group of dogs running in a field with little supervision to report it to the Roodepoort SPCA. The cost of rescuing and housing such a large group puts extra strain on their financials. The dogs required special medical attention and high nutrition food. The Roodepoort SPCA will always be appreciative of any donations. If you are able to assist with any donations, please visit their Facebook page for their banking details.
