Chain your dog and face consequences, warns Durban SPCA

DURBAN and Coast SPCA warns all pet owners to refrain from keeping their dogs chained, or they stand liable to face a hefty fine.

According to the Animal Protection Act, a person found guilty of animal abuse could face a R60,000 fine or three years in prison.

Northglen News’ Mariclair Smit reported in her article that this announcement was made after an SPCA inspector was called out to Rinaldo Road in Glenhills, where a staffie was being chained up. The owner said they had chained up the animal so that it didn’t jump over the fence into a neighbouring yard.

Read Northglen News’ original article here. 

Following the cruel discovery, the article reported that SPCA spokesman Lindsey Concer explained that a warning was issued to the pet owner and follow-up check-ups scheduled. Mariclair further reported that the SPCA explained that dogs are only allowed to be chained temporally in instances, for example where the property is not properly fenced

In these instances the owner needs to use a five metre-long running chain, so that the dog can have freedom to move. Concor explained that the situation needs to be resolved so that the dog can be unchained as it’s cruel to keep an animal confined indefinitely.

Chaining is a very common issue in Durban, as there are many houses without fencing which causes home owners to chain their dogs as a solution.

“While many people tend to comply after being approached by SPCA inspectors, there were cases that have shocked and outraged staff,” said Concer. “We have attended cases where the owner didn’t adjust the collar or chain, so it cut into the animal’s skin as it grew. In some cases the skin even grew around the chain. We have even arrived at homes only to find a dead dog at the end of a chain, where a lack of food, water and or shelter took its toll. This is unacceptable.”

Any and all acts of animal cruelty must be reported to Amanzimtoti SPCA immediately, along with photographic or video footage as evidence. If reporting the crime you must be willing to give the SPCA your details. They will keep your anonymity but must be able to log the report correctly for anything to be resolved.

Call Toti SPCA on 031-904-2424/5.

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