Missing pets found dead
The bodies of two dogs were found with their abdomens open. The cause of their deaths is unknown.
ANNEMARIE Fischer, a Westville resident, was left horrified and devastated yesterday afternoon, when she found the bodies of her two beloved Boston Terriers, TD and Jesse, after they had mysteriously vanished from her garden a few days ago.
An emotional Fischer told the Highway Mail that they found the two canines in a open area behind her property, which is on Broadway Road in Westville.
“We found the bodies of our dogs, about 10 meters apart, in the area behind our garden, with their abdomens open. We are not sure how they died, but we will attempt to get an autopsy done,” she said.
According to Fischer, the discovery was somewhat of a catch-22. “On the one hand I am relieved, because I no longer have to envision them in pain, but at the same time I have lost all hope of ever having them back home safe and sound,” she said.
TD and Jesse disappeared from Fischer’s garden three days apart, Fischer reported.
When Jesse went missing on Thursday, 10 July, Fisher immediately suspected that her pet had been stolen from her garden, but also considered the possibility that he managed to escape and was rescued by a fellow resident.
She distributed flyers at the SPCA and various veterinarians in the area, but had no luck finding her four-legged companion.
“Throughout the days following, my three remaining dogs did not leave my sight. Unfortunately, on Monday, 14 July, I had to go to work.
“Our domestic worker kept an eye on the dogs throughout the day, but when she left she put them outside.
“Before she left, she says she heard them barking at something, but on investigation found them all safe in the garden.
“A few minutes later the tenants in our granny flat went to check on the dogs and noticed that another one of the Boston Terriers was nowhere to be found.
“At that stage we were convinced that they were barking at someone in the garden, who then helped themselves to one of my dogs, but we cannot know for sure,” said Fischer.
Mike Myers, chairman of the Westville CPF, reported that no dogs or cats have been reported stolen in the Westville area.
“We get the odd report of a cat or dog that have gone missing, but these are all pets who managed to escape from their owner’s property,” he said.
He urged residents who have experienced similar incidents or who suspect that their pets have been stolen to report it to the SPCA or to the Westville SAPS.
“Although the police might not be able to open a case or docket, they can open a report. This will enable us to determine a modus operandi or if there is something sinister afoot. Residents should also report suspicious people or vehicles to authorities,” he said.
To open a case the resident requires proof that their pet has been stolen, reported Myers. Barbara Laubscher, of the Kloof and Highway SPCA echoed Myers sentiments, and encouraged residents to report such cases to the police and the SPCA. They, also, have not received reports of stolen dogs in the Westville area.
Three weeks prior to Jesse’s disappearance, Fischer’s Abyssinian cat, Zaza, also went missing. Up to this point Fischer has not found any trace of Zaza.
