Community pulls together to rescue dog from Witfield Dam
One of the men who went into the water had to be taken to hospital for hypothermia.
A cross-breed collie was rescued from the mass of hyacinth in Witfield Dam earlier today (January 28).
The dog was trapped from about 08:30 and finally freed at about 10:30 through the collective efforts of Witfield residents, CPF members, the SAPS Water Wing Squad, Boksburg SPCA,Netcare paramedics and FRS security personnel.
Before the cohesive effort, two brave men, Dries van der Merwe and Norman Watkins, went into the dam, at about 09:15, to try to save the dog. Unfortunately, they were also trapped by the hyacinth.
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Van der merwe told the Advertiser that he rushed to the dam when he saw on a community Whatsapp group that a dog was trapped in the dam.
“We have a community Whatsapp group for animals in need and our main aim as members of the group is to help animals that are abused or in a terrible state.
“When I arrived at the dam, I saw where the dog was trapped and went in with the assistance of Norman.
“We both got trapped in the water because of the hyacinth and, unfortunately, Norman was affected by the temperature of the water and had to be taken to hospital by the paramedics due to hypothermia.
“We were lucky because the community members and other organisations that were there managed to pull us and the dog out of the water.
According to Vicky Finnemore, the manager of the Boksburg SPCA, the rescued dog is in good condition. It had a bath at the SPCA and they are hoping the owner will come claim it.
“If no one claims the dog we will place it for adoption,” Vicky said.
The community is also pleading with the City of Ekurhuleni to rid Witfield Dam of hyacinth as it poses a danger to children and animals.
They said this recent incident is a sign that the dam is not safe for people or animals.
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