A STOLEN pair of German Shepherds were reunited with their owner two months after being stolen from their Fynn Road, Toti home.
A tip-off led the Amanzimtoti SPCA’s field officer and CCPO to the house where the dogs were found in an awful condition.
German Shepherds Kayla (10) and Mcgyver (2) were stolen from their Fynn Road home on 16 May.
“The bars of the gate were bent open,” explained Toti SPCA’s Zakhona Mzelemu who has followed the case since the start. “This tells us that the dogs didn’t escape, but rather that they were deliberately stolen.”
When devastated owner, identified only as Ms Van Der Merwe, reported the case to the Amanzimtoti SPCA, Zakhona suggested she distribute posters about her missing dogs and offer an award around the KwaMakhutha and Adams Mission areas. This was believed to be where the dogs were taken to.
The owner did so, but the trail went dead and nothing more was heard of her pets until Monday, 17 July when she received a tip-off from a resident of that area.
“The man spoke very broken English to the owner. She understood he knew where her dogs were,” said Zakhona. “The owner then approached the SPCA and I communicated with the man.”
He claimed to have seen the poster at a garage and recognised them. He assured the SPCA and the owner that he would show them where they were.
Zakhona then contacted the CCPO who escorted the owner along with SPCA field officer, Colin Cele to the house.
“As soon as the gate was opened, the dogs bolted into their owner’s arms and then into the car, ready to be taken back to their home,” said Zakhona. “I never lost hope that I’d find them,” said the owner.
Colin admitted that it was the most heartbreaking thing to see a stolen animal reunited with its owners. “The dogs went mad for their owner – it was so sad,” he said.
The dogs were in poor condition and the male, Mcgyver (2) had an extremely swollen face, from possibly being hit, and was taken to the vet.
“We are not sure if the person we rescued the dogs from had in fact stolen them, but we suspect so,” said Zakhona.
A case was opened when the animals were first stolen. Amanzimtoti SAPS will now work with KwaMakhuta SAPS as the area falls under that station.
“Amanzimtoti SPCA has played its role in this reunion. I’m so happy the dogs are back home,” said Zakhona. “The rest lies in the hands of the police. I hope the case receives the attention it deserves.”
“Keep your animals safe and away from gates and walls leading onto the street,” cautioned Ms Van Der Merwe. When placing a missing poster, I recommend not mentioning the reward amount as it causes further problems. Never meet with an informant by yourself. Have your animals microchipped for proof that they are yours when found. Above all, never lose hope.”
Ms van Der Merwe thanked the informant, Amanzimtoti SPCA, Blue Security and the CCPO, as if it weren’t for them, her beloved shepherds may never have been found.
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