A Durban family is searching for their three-year-old Husky, Hunter, after CCTV footage appeared to show a group of children entering their Merebank property and taking the dog.
Image used for illustrative purposes/Liviu Roman/Unsplash
IOL News reported that Hunter went missing on Sunday after his owner, Aishwarya Pillay, became concerned when repeated calls to the dog went unanswered. Hunter would normally come when called, particularly because he associated Pillay’s calls with treats.
When Pillay investigated, she discovered that the driveway gate was open and Hunter was nowhere to be found.
Family launches search for missing dog
Pillay initially believed Hunter may have wandered out of the property. She got into her car to search the surrounding area and shared an alert on Merebank community WhatsApp groups.
She was later told that Hunter had been seen near a shopping centre with a group of children. According to the report, a witness said the dog had a rope around his neck and was being pulled along.
Pillay then received CCTV footage from her property, which appeared to show several children entering the premises and leaving with Hunter. The footage also showed the dog being held on what appeared to be a makeshift leash.
The family subsequently learnt that the same group had allegedly entered three other properties in the area and taken dogs. Hunter may have been taken towards Lamontville.
“I could not sleep thinking about what had happened to him and where he could be,” Pillay told IOL News. She said she intended to open a criminal case with the police.
What Hunter looks like
Hunter is a male Husky with predominantly white fur and a black patch on his back. He has grey eyes and was wearing a plain red collar when he disappeared.
Pillay said Hunter is not neutered or microchipped and described him as a friendly family pet.
“We don’t know where to look or what to do,” she said.
SPCA urges pet owners to take precautions
The SPCA has advised people whose pets go missing to first check with neighbours and organise a search of nearby streets, parks and other places where the animal may have gone.
Pet owners are also encouraged to make sure their properties are secure, with properly fenced yards and locked gates.
Microchipping is another important precaution. The SPCA said microchips can improve the chances of reuniting owners with missing pets, while collars and identification tags can be lost or removed.
For families with pets, secure fencing, locked gates, identification and microchipping can all provide an additional layer of protection.
Anyone who may know where Hunter is can contact Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) on 086 1234 333.
Source: IOL News
