NSPCA investigates Mthonjaneni dog shooting
Five days after the shooting, the dog was still alive
ON behalf of eShowe SPCA, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) will be prosecuting the case of what it termed the ‘unnecessary’ and ‘cruel’ shooting of a dog in Mthonjaneni, the video of which went viral on social media.
The NSPCA said it is ‘disgusted’ at the actions of Mthonjaneni Deputy Mayor Phumlani Ntombela and his bodyguards, especially in light of the fact that the dog was found at the scene five days later, still alive.
‘The link between animal violence and human violence is not something we should ignore.
‘The dog was shot in the presence of community members, which included children. Their leadership is setting an example that it is acceptable to disregard sentient creatures and disrespect life.
‘This is a leader who is breeding a violent culture,’ said Meg Wilson, NSPCA Communications Unit Manager.
She said an eShowe SPCA inspector was made aware of the incident five days later and immediately went to the scene.
The dog was found with multiple gunshot wounds, but still alive.
‘Five days had lapsed and not a single person sought help for this animal, allowing it to suffer for a prolonged period of time.’
Ntombela initially claimed responsibility for ordering his bodyguard to execute the dog, saying it had been killing livestock in the area.
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However, a few days after the video went public, he denied having said this.
After issuing a statement in which they strongly condemned the shooting, the Council of Mthonjaneni Municipality sat on Wednesday to decide on whether or not to launch an inquiry.
‘As no criminal charges have been laid against our Deputy Mayor, Council took the decision not to proceed with an inquiry,’ said Mthonjaneni Communications Officer Thami Shangase.
Meanwhile, both the IFP and COGTA condemned the issue and said a full investigation should be launched.
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