Warning: Graphic image: Dog euthanased after being severely beaten

Officials from the Germiston SPCA were greeted by a traumatic sight, last Tuesday, when they responded to a call of animal cruelty in Rondebult.

After business hours, staff received a call from the complainant, who reported that one of their neighbours had beaten a dog using a metal pipe.

Inspector Hope Mokalapa raced to the area to conduct an investigation and found the extremely injured dog.

“Apparently the owner of the dog did not see the incident happen, but the neighbourhood children witnessed everything,” said Laurence Kingston, manager of the Germiston SPCA.

“The badly injured dog was immediately taken to the North Rand Animal Hospital in Boksburg for treatment.

“But, due to the extreme trauma and nature of the injuries, the animal had to be euthanased.”

The Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA is currently investigating the matter and obtaining statements from witnesses.

A case of animal cruelty will soon be opened, once all the relevant details and statements have been obtained, as well as a report from the attending veterinarian.

“We, as the SPCA, will charge any perpetrators of cruelty to animals under the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962,” Kingston said.

The community and general public can contact the SPCA on 011 825-5033 (during office hours), on the emergency cellphone on 082 675 0072 (after hours), or email to spcagermist@polka.co.za to report any cases of animal cruelty or abuse.

“Please provide as much detail as possible and you may remain anonymous,” said Kingston.

“It is only through the community and public intervention, involvement and pro-activeness like this incident demonstrates that we at the SPCA will continue to remain the protectors of all animals.”