- *WARNING: This article contains information and a video that may upset sensitive readers.
- A video showing a dog being abused near a Goodwood school led to an SPCA investigation and the rescue of several dogs.
- Two men seen in the video will face charges under the Animals Protection Act.
- The SPCA commended the community for helping locate the dogs and stressed the importance of responsible pet ownership.
A disturbing incident involving the abuse of a dog opposite a school in Goodwood was brought to light last week through a video being widely circulated on social media.
Prompted by this alarming footage, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA launched an investigation, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
A social media post by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA said despite initial challenges in tracking down the individuals involved, the breakthrough came when vigilant community members provided crucial information. “This led our inspectors to a residential property in Goodwood, where they discovered the abused dog from the video with a litter of four puppies and another two dogs. All the animals on the property were rescued earlier today after our inspectors obtained a court order from the Goodwood Magistrates’ Court.”
The three dogs and four puppies are now safely in the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
Statement and community gratitude
The video, which vividly captured the abuse and shows two men forcefully handling the dog, pinning her to the ground, and carrying her by the hind legs while she screamed and struggled, caused widespread outrage.
This footage will serve as a key piece of evidence in the impending cruelty case against the two men involved.
Criminal charges of animal cruelty will be laid against the two men in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, with the accused potentially facing penalties of up to R40 000 and/or 12 months imprisonment, along with a criminal record, if convicted.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the community for their role in the location and rescue of these dogs. “We can’t fight cruelty alone, and we’re thankful for the vigilance of communities who report crimes against animals and those who step in with us to protect the vulnerable,” said Belinda Abraham, the SPCA’s communications manager.
‘No dog should be handled in this way’
Abraham told TygerBurger the SPCA conducted a thorough investigation and it revealed that Layla, the dog in the video, had been willingly given to a family by a homeless person two weeks prior.
“They had taken her into their care with her best interests at heart but unfortunately she kept escaping their property despite their best efforts to keep her safe.
“On the day the video was taken, Layla had once again escaped their property and while the situation was poorly handled, the two individuals in the video were trying to get her back home. Layla is extremely fearful of men and this resulted in at least one individual being bitten numerous times. While we agree that no dog should be handled in this way, intention is pivotal to court proceedings and, in this instance, the intentions of these individuals were good,” Abraham said.
“Two of the dogs removed from their residence have been returned to their care while Layla and her puppies will remain in the care of the SPCA. We extend our thanks once again to those who speak out for animals and report what they see and give our assurance that we will always act in the best interest of animals,” she added.
A call for responsible pet ownership
The councillor for Ward 27, Cecile Janse van Rensburg, said she became aware of the incident when it was posted on social media.
“I must admit that I chose not to watch the video. I am an animal lover and actively promote responsible pet ownership. I am especially concerned about our youth and how these extremely bad examples might shape their perceptions and choices going forward,” said Janse van Rensburg.
“As the councillor for Ward 27 that comprises a large part of Goodwood, I often see animals roaming the streets and I inevitably wonder why. The incident referred to in the attached screenshots should be a wake-up call to us all as it provides a snapshot into the reality experienced by many animals – it would be naive to believe that the alleged act(s) of animal abuse described in the screenshots are isolated incidents. As a caring society we should be vigilant and if we are aware of any person(s) involving themselves in any form of abuse, be it towards animals or human beings, we should be reporting it to the relevant authorities.
“I also want to send a message to those who are abusive towards animals. Think before you lift your hand or withhold food/water/shelter. Your actions are a reflection of who you are and are nothing to be proud of. Shame on you,” said Janse van Rensburg.
She urged the public to reach out to an enforcement agency or any of the animal welfare organisations if you need help.
“I am very grateful to all the volunteers, enforcement staff as well as animal welfare organisations who make it their mission to ensure the rights of all animals are protected,” she said.
