Investigations into the death of a dog, reported to be a Chatsworth resident’s pet, are underway by the Durban and Coastal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), after the canine was allegedly beaten for escaping from the property and then biting his owner. He was punished by being left tied outside the property on a short rope with no food, water, or shelter. The dog died a day later, on Wednesday (7 May 2025).
A social media post by animal rescue organisation, Blue Bundu Brigade Animal Rescue and Rehoming, reported the death of the animal and the preceding circumstances on Facebook.
The post stated:
“Today, we are appalled by the outcome of the precious boy. Yes! Today he died, he was murdered! He lived in Chatsworth. It is alleged the dog was out in the road. The owner beat him for this and, in the dog’s defence, he bit his owner. To punish the dog, from last night he was tied to the security gate on a short rope! No food, no water, and no shelter — and now dead! Exposed to the cold during the night, exposed to full sun during the day! He was exhausted!”
The post further stated: “Many people let this boy down — from his owner, the owner’s family, the neighbours, and all those who saw and turned a blind eye simply because they didn’t want to get involved. This was also a case where the SPCA was phoned numerous times. People knew the circumstances and nobody helped. Why didn’t someone climb into the property and assist? If this was a child, would the result be the same? This human behaviour is unacceptable and should not be entertained. The death of this dog could have been avoided and shouldn’t be accepted or tolerated.”
SPCA spokesperson Tanya Fleischer said: “We received a report to investigate this matter on the morning of the Facebook post, at approximately 10.39am. Inspector Ngcobo responded and was there at 11.30am, and found the dog dead at the end of a chain. The body was removed and brought in for our vet to provide an autopsy report. Further investigations are ongoing. We checked our records and there are no previous complaints for this address. The courts will decide if the person is convicted or not, and they will determine the sentence.”
“As always, we urge members of the public to never chain their dogs, and to please report any suspicions of cruelty to us immediately on 031 579 6501 or after hours on 083 212 6103,” said Fleischer.
The social media post on the tragedy sparked outrage within the community, with many calling for the pet owner to be charged and prosecuted.
Comments such as the following streamed in:
“Please prosecute to the full extent of the law. May the owner receive just karma.” “Dog tried to escape — poor boy. Owner must be prosecuted. Zero tolerance for animal abuse! Criminal behaviour to beat a defenceless dog.” “It looks like that poor dog was clipped onto the security gate with a pole, which is so cruel as it prevented him from lying down to rest — and if he did, the collar would strangle him. This is inhumane and not to be tolerated. RIP, may justice be served.”
Blue Bundu Brigade Animal Rescue offered the following tips for the safe and healthy nurturing of pets:
Potential pet owners should ensure the following before taking on any pet, which is usually a 10–15 year commitment:
• Their property should be well secured with 1.6 m or higher fencing.
• The dog should have access to shelter (a kennel or undercover verandah) to protect it from the elements, and have access to clean food and water.
• No dog should live on a chain.
• A dog should be part of the family, sleep inside at night for its safety, and, as is the natural instinct of the dog, will protect its family against harm or danger.
• Dogs should be fully vaccinated, sterilised (usually done at six months of age), and microchipped in case the dog gets out of the property. If found, the animal can be reunited with its owner.
Blue Bundu Brigade urged community members to report animal cruelty and advised that the SPCA keeps complainants’ information confidential.
“People should be clear on the information filtered through, and the urgency of the matter when contacting the SPCA,” Blue Bundu Brigade said.
