A new, better life awaits him after being rescued where he was tied to a tree with an electrical cord, baited to face a brutal attack by six other dogs.
After two weeks in the SPCA animal hospital, Scar has fully recovered from his physical injuries and is now up for adoption to a forever home where his heart can heal.
On the day of the attack on 26 May, volunteers from a a nearby animal rescue shelter in Joostenbergvlakte, caught two minors red-handed where they were goading the other dogs to attack Scar.
READ | Abused dog ‘scarred’ for life after being goaded into a fight against eight other dogs
The volunteers heard his desperate cries and ran to save him. They apprehended to two minors, who were taken into custody when the police arrived. They were later arrested on charges of animal cruelty in terms of the Animal Protection Act, and in conjunction with the Child Justice Act set up as a child justice system specifically for children in conflict with the law.
“His story would have ended horrifically; instead, a story about the transformative power of love is just beginning,” says Belinda Abrahams, spokesperson for the SPCA.
“When Scar was admitted to our animal hospital, aside from the physical wounds, he was traumatised and emotionally shut down. He exhibited signs of resignation, passivity, and a lack of motivation to do anything at all. Even if his hospital cage was left wide open, he wouldn’t venture outside of his own accord. Who can blame him? Imagine being tied to a tree by the hands you trusted and then having a pack of dogs set on you,” says on site animal behaviourist Nicole Nel.
“Often in cases where an animal has been subjected to physical and emotional abuse, they are both exhausted and shut down. He didn’t feel safe enough to show any behaviour or any personality.”
Road to recovery
After the horrific attack, his body was covered in fresh puncture wounds and old infected wounds. He was treated and remained in hospital for two weeks.
During his hospital stay he was also diagnosed with bilateral Hygromas (fluid filled sacks) on both front limbs.
Dr Ettienne Pieterse says he suspects the Hygromas to be a result of untreated pressure sores to which Scar’s body reacted.
“Unfortunately, surgical intervention isn’t possible as it is very close to the joint and septic arthritis, which will easily spread to the rest of the joints in his body could result,” he says.
Fortunately, the Hygromas won’t affect Scar’s quality of life, according to Dr Pieterse.
“The condition requires only ongoing monitoring and a check-in with a vet if there is an increase in the size of the pockets”.
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Nel says every dog responds differently to trauma and while incredibly adaptive, do carry emotional scarring from life experiences, either from prolonged neglect and abuse, trauma or issues in early development, environmental factors or even a once-off traumatic event.
“Kind hands are a new experience for Scar, but he’s finally learning to trust, he engages, and he’s enjoying walks on his leash – in spite of the fact that this is how the trauma he survived began. Consistent, patient, reward-based interactions and a lot of love and respect have won him over.
“Scar is a mature boy; in spite of what he’s been through, he is people orientated, makes eye contact, comes when called and jumps up to greet. This is a far cry from the Scar we first met and we can’t wait to give him the experience of a loving home.
“There is no doubt that this will be new to him too so we’re looking for an experienced family with children over the age of 10 who will understand what he has been through and will work with our behaviourist through any suppressed behaviours that may arise as he grows in confidence,” she says.
Regarding the two minor suspects, a case has been opened and is currently pending.
If you think you could love Scar, please give the SPCA a call on 021 700 4152 or email adoptions@spca-ct.co.za
