POLOKWANE – An eight-week old Jack Russell terrier cross puppy was recently taken to the SPCA Polokwane after the owner left him in a car for three days.
Moloko Manaka, an inspector at SPCA Polokwane, said the owner of the puppy took his car in for repairs, but left the dog in the car.
When he was told of the puppy, he promised to fetch it, but never did.
“The car was parked in the sun and the puppy had no water, just a box of raw meat.
“The staff at the repair workshop called us and we took the puppy to the veterinary clinic,” said Manaka.
“The puppy was severely anaemic, suffered from a high fever and was collapsed upon presentation. He was infested with ticks and fleas on both ears and between his toes. He was very dirty, severely malnourished and underweight.”
Manaka said evaluation of the puppy’s blood revealed a positive diagnosis of tick bite fever or biliary fever (babesiosis).
The puppy additionally suffered from internal parasites (worms).
He received medical treatment for the biliary infection and a parasite control programme was initiated against both internal and external parasites.
Manaka said the puppy’s prognosis was very good after he received adequate treatment.
She added that with some tender loving care and basic necessities like food and water, as well as parasite control, the puppy will be a good candidate for adoption.
She recommended that a case of severe animal neglect and abuse be opened against the owner.
“In my opinion, it is unacceptable the way in which the puppy was treated. This is not a case of mere negligence or lack of education, but of abuse.”
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