Cape Town – A horrific act of animal cruelty has shocked animal-welfare advocates after an eight-week-old female puppy was discovered tied to a fence in Dunoon, barely alive and suffering from severe burns, believed to have been inflicted by boiling water.
The alert came via an anonymous tip-off to Cheryl-Lyn’s Rescue Organisation. Its founder, Cheryl-Lyn Potgieter, immediately dispatched community member Francis Cinyama to locate the injured animal.
“I’m still shaken by the call,” Potgieter said. “The pup had been tied up and doused with boiling water. Her tiny paws were raw and she was struggling to breathe. The cruelty was unimaginable.”
Disclaimer: These pictures and video may upset sensitive readers
Once the puppy was safely transported to her farm Potgieter rushed her to Vet-Clin for emergency care. Despite the urgent intervention the prognosis was grim; her condition was such that the decision was made to put her down.
“The vet was deeply disturbed by her condition,” Potgieter related. “She was fading fast, suffering more than any creature should. I made the heartbreaking decision to have her euthanised to end her pain. She didn’t die from her injuries; she was dying because she had no strength left. It was the kindest option left.”
Who’s responsible?
The organisation is now working to trace the person responsible, although leads remain scarce. “We don’t know who the owners are,” said Potgieter. “Dunoon is large and densely populated and, unfortunately, no-one has come forward with information. But whoever did this must be held accountable. This is not just cruelty; it’s criminal.”
She has since reported the incident to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and is urging the public to stay vigilant and act when they witness any form of animal abuse.
“If you see something say something. Report it to the SPCA. Take videos or photos if you can. Evidence makes all the difference in bringing perpetrators to justice. Too many animals suffer in silence. We can’t let this continue.”
Creating awareness on animal cruelty
Potgieter hoped the suffering of this unfortunate pup would lead to greater awareness and action.
“She mattered. Her pain mattered. Let’s honour her by fighting for the ones who can’t speak for themselves.”
Cheryl Lyn’s Rescue Organisation continues to appeal to anyone with knowledge about the incident to come forward. Tips can be reported anonymously to the SPCA or directly to the organisation.
To report cruelty or abuse contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on
Disclaimer: These pictures and video may upset sensitive readers
Disclaimer: These pictures and video may upset sensitive readers
The final moments of mercy — a vet at Vet-Clin eases the suffering of the badly burned pup.
Disclaimer: These pictures and video may upset sensitive readers
Boiling water burns and raw paws — this puppy’s body bore the brutal marks of abuse.
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