Irresponsible ownership leads to dog suffering an agonizing death

By Candice Segal, PRO/Fundraiser, Sandton SPCA

On Wednesday 7th of April Sandton SPCA Inspector Lily Motsemme, was called to a horrific scene in which a dog was found dead hanging from a serrated security fence in the residential area of Bruma. A gardener in the area had been desperate to find a nearby resident to help remove the dead dog’s body from the fence.

A male Rottweiler cross was found impaled to the perimeter fencing, a large puddle of blood collected below its hanging body. He had tried to jump the fence but in the process caught his leg on a spike and struggling to free himself, severed a major artery. This caused him to hemorrhage and suffered tremendously before his inevitable death.

Inspector Lily Motsemme was upset at the scene and commented “What angers me the most is the complete absence of concern by residents in the area. Before I got out of my vehicle I could see the body from a distance. When I approached the dog it was clear it had been dead for over 24 hours. Why did no one seek help or come looking for their dog?”

After Lily removed the body from the fence she was informed by the person who kindly called Sandton SPCA that this dog was not a stray but a resident’s pet who was allowed to roam the area freely on a regular basis. Irresponsible owners are the only ones to blame for this unnecessary suffering and death. Why do people own animals if they do not care for their welfare?

The only thing that can be said is shame on those owners who have no regard for the life of an animal supposedly in their care. The Sandton SPCA appeals to pet owners to take responsibility, do not let your pets roam uncontrolled and ensure they are sterilized and clearly identified.

Every year SPCA rescues hundreds of abandoned animals whose owners have left them to fend for themselves. Unlike the dog from Bruma, these pets are given a second chance and adopted to new loving families. Support Sandton SPCA and the work we do, to give a donation call 011 444-7730 or email info@sandtonspca.org.za

A little bit can go a long way to help those who cannot help themselves.