DURING a recent outreach clinic held (Tuesday, 8 July to Thursday, 10 July) in Mariannridge, Pinetown, the Kloof and Highway SPCA rescued two dogs that had been inhumanly chained up and abused.
Inspectors confiscated a female Pit Bull Terrier along with a male Doberman-cross after they discovered that the dogs were being kept in poor conditions.
Both had been confined by chains shorter that one metre, had no access to food or water and their only form of shelter was a cardboard box.
The Pit Bull required desperate veterinary treatment. She was emaciated and had extreme mange, which caused severe hair loss.
The unfortunate pup also developed a serious skin infection, resulting from constant scratching.
“We also discovered that the Pit Bull’s ears had been cropped. This had been done several month ago, as the wounds were completely healed. Cropping a dog’s ears is illegal.
“We suspect that she would have been used for dog fighting. Trainers in the dog fighting industry crop their fighting dogs’ ears to save on veterinary bills,” said Cheri Cooke, the inspectorate manager of the Kloof and Highway SPCA.
“It is very sad, because she has such a lovely personality. She is very friendly and loving. You think she would be frightened of humans after her ordeal, but she is just a happy and energetic dog,” added Cooke.
The Doberman is more timid and frightened of humans. He was also emaciated. According to Cooke the owner had ignored previous warnings issued by the SPCA inspectors.
“When the Inspectors arrived at the house, the owners had heard they were coming and were already trying to hide the Pit Bull away from them, but they failed. The owner later signed the dogs over to the SPCA,” said Cooke.
This follows the recent seizure of a third dog that had been chained up by her owner in the EMBO Township.
The canine was found in a shocking condition. She was petrified of people and her movement had been constrained by a short, one metre chain, weighing 2kg, that had been wrapped around her neck.
It is unclear how long she had been tied up. Her owner argued that she had been confined because she was caught chasing chickens.
According to Cooke, a one metre chain is not long enough to provide dogs with a healthy and adequate amount of leeway to behave normally. The Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, Section 2.1.B, states that it is illegal for any person to confine, chain, tether or secure any animal unnecessarily or under any conditions that does not provide it with adequate space, ventilation, light, protection or shelter or access to food. All three dogs have undergone the necessary medical treatments and rehabilitation, and are now available for adoption.
