Animal rescuers who have been inundated with numerous calls regarding dogs being chained, with a dog in the Shallcross area reportedly killed after being hanged by the chain over a wall last Saturday, are appealing to dog owners not to tie their dogs or keep them on chains.
As the festive season often requires residents to be out of their properties while shopping, visiting, or out on holiday, Pat Naidoo, animal activist, representative of animal rights group, Fur Kingdom and administrator for animal rights group, Paw Arusa, said owners need to understand that this is cruelty and it is illegal.
“When we received a call from a woman who spotted a dog hanging by it’s chain over a wall in Klaarwater Road in Shallcross, we tried to get to the dog in time to save his life. By the time we could reach the dog, it had already died. The owners of the home was not home at the time and had allegedly went shopping while the dog had been left tied on their property. The dog had attempted to jump over a wall while it was chained and hanged. The dog suffered a horrific death,” she said.
Naidoo added that every dog owner should have a yard that is fully fenced and gated and urged those who notice dogs being chained to report it, and be the voice for the voiceless animals.
“Dogs that usually jump over walls are male dogs in search of unspayed females. All dogs must be sterilised to curb this problem. The SPCA offers welfare reasonable rates and pet owners should consider spaying their dogs. The festive seasons is the time when many want to gift pups and kittens that are unwanted in a few weeks. Owning a pet is coupled with responsibility as they are not merely a toy for a child or security for the property. Chaining a dog is illegal and carries a hefty fine,” added Naidoo. The public is encouraged to report cruelty to SPCA by calling 031-579-6500. You can request to remain anonymous.
