A THREE-year-old Yorkshire Terrier is receiving treatment at the Zululand Veterinary Hospital after being shot with a pellet gun in Meerensee on Sunday morning.
The young Yorkie, Bobby, suffered a shot to the chest when out in the garden beside the greenbelt.
Owner Charlette van Rensburg was alerted when she heard Bobby crying before being brought inside, covered in blood, by her son.
He was then rushed to the Empangeni vet where he is awaiting possible surgery. Dr Leoti Morkel has agreed to wait until little Bobby is stronger before considering surgery.
The bullet is currently lodged in his lung, which has caused severe build-up of fluid.
‘He is slowly recovering, and managed to eat this morning (Tuesday),’ said Morkel. ‘Our biggest worry now is infection.’
Empangeni SPCA Senior Inspector Roland Fivas commented on the effects of pellet gun wounds on pets and how some cases can be left for weeks unnoticed.
‘Pellet gun bullets are minute and some pet owners only react to the wound weeks after the animal has been shot, as they become lethargic,’ said Fivas.
‘By this stage, it can cause great complications and can cause an excruciatingly painful death if not treated immediately.’
