This follows the discovery of a dead security dog on one of the company’s sites.
The dog was found in an extremely poor condition and had suffered from severe pneumonia.
The National Council of SPCAs is in possession of post mortem and veterinary reports which indicate the animal suffered a slow and painful death.
According to the Boksburg SPCA manager’s, Maggie Mudd, they recently had cause to seize a number of dogs from another security company, based in Boksburg, and these animals have not been returned.
“We are still working with the company and more seizures are likely as they have only recently started to adhere to our written warnings,” explained Mudd.
She said inspectors visit security companies which use guard dogs monthly to check that there are no animal welfare issues and that the company is operating within the law and with a PAPA (Performing Animal Protection Act) licence.
“We also attempt to sterilise all the dogs as many security companies indiscriminately breed their dogs with the aim of using the puppies as guard dogs when they are old enough or selling them to other security companies,” said Maggie.
The SPCA is opposed to the using of dogs for security purposes as this is not a natural life for a dog who can remain either chained or confined for hours at a time with little to no interaction with people.
“We commonly see stereotypical behaviour in dogs that are used for security, and this can include constant pacing, spinning in circles, incessant barking and depression,” said Mudd.
“Confining or chaining dogs can also make them incredibly aggressive so that even the handlers cannot handle them.
“These animals usually end up being euthanised as they can pose a danger to humans.”
The NSPCA is opposed to any practice where animals are exposed to unnecessary suffering and calls upon members of the public to report animal neglect and abuse of any kind and particularly within the security industry.
