Abuse in any form is a crime that not many can fathom the motives behind, but to hurt someone, or something, that is unable to defend itself, is a despicable act all on its own.
Sadly, animal abuse is extremely common, and unfortunately, it isn’t always reported. Thankfully, on 11 February, an animal lover’s compassion saved two adorable puppies from a horrible situation. Two pit bull puppies were confiscated by the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA on the Tuesday, after police members reported a case of possible mistreatment to the organisation.
Read the initial article here:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2020/02/14/roodepoort-spca-confiscates-two-puppies-with-severely-docked-ears/
The charcoal-and-golden coloured puppies were confiscated from Bram Fischerville in Soweto from an owner who had cropped their ears.
When the two puppies were confiscated, their ears were severely infected and they needed surgery to rectify the mess that was made. The former owner of the dogs, who changed his story a couple of times, is in the process of being prosecuted by the SPCA.
A little less than a month later and Mandy Cattanach, Manager of the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA, was more than happy to update the Record on the condition of the beautiful dogs.
The happy animals, who have grown quite a bit, are healing very well and are as energetic as all other puppies. They are extremely friendly and love their rescuers at the SPCA. While they are not ready for adoption, they seem very happy, and are receiving the best care and love possible from the SPCA team.
Unfortunately, their ears will be prone to infections because now they are too short but the puppies don’t seem to be letting it bother them and the staff members at the SPCA are keeping a close eye on the issue.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/02/28/spca-relieves-horses-painspca-opens-case-of-animal-abuse-against-horse-owner-web/
People have been cropping the ears and docking the tails of dogs for hundreds of years and for different reasons. Unfortunately, the most common reason these days is extremely barbaric and also the reason these puppies lost their ears. Owners cut off or shorten their ears and tails for dog-fighting so that the dog’s ‘opponent’ will have nothing to grab onto.
Cosmetic surgery on an animal is illegal and anyone caught performing it will be prosecuted, and vets who do it will lose their licence.
The public is urged to report any form of animal cruelty to the SPCA so that the issues can be dealt with and the innocent creatures can have a chance at a better life. To report an issue of animal abuse in any form, including cosmetic surgery, contact the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA on 011 672 0448. After hours and in cases of dire emergencies, please use 076 070 1400.
