Buddy the Labrador has finally found his forever home and a happy ending after enduring abuse at the hands of his former owner, who beat the pup with a belt and strangled him.
A loving family from Benoni adopted him on August 31.
Buddy’s new human mom, Stacey, said they decided to adopt Buddy after learning about his sad story.
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“We were initially looking for a Labrador for my eight-year-old daughter, so when we heard that he was up for adoption, we immediately headed to the Benoni SPCA to start the adoption process.
“We want to give him the love he deserves. Since he came home with us, my daughter and Buddy get on like a house on fire.”
Stacey, who also has three other fur babies she adopted at the SPCA, said they are thrilled to have Buddy around as he has fitted perfectly with her family.
She described him as a loving dog, calm, playful and affectionate.
Buddy’s previous owner, Willem Lagrange (63) of Rynfield was found guilty by the Benoni Magistrate’s Court on August 15 and sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for five years, or a fine of R4 000.
Lagrange was arrested in September after the SPCA opened a case against him after obtaining video footage of the incident from a concerned member of the public.
Buddy survived the attack and the Benoni SPCA confiscated him.
It was revealed in court the reason for Lagrange to assault his dog was that he was disciplining the dog for chewing wires.
In honour of Buddy, the Benoni SPCA will host ‘Buddy’s Long Walk To Freedom’ dog walk event on September 29 at CR Swart Park from 07:00 to 10:00. Entry fee is R20 and R10 per person.
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