Inspectors from the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) Special Projects Unit found 31 Greyhounds forced to live in deplorable conditions on a property in Mahikeng [North West].
The dogs were confiscated due to their poor conditions – including broken bones that had gone untreated and had healed abnormally. The SPCA obtained a warrant to search the property.
In April 2019, the NSPCA removed 20 Greyhounds from the same property. These dogs were forced to live in enclosures that were unkempt and parasitic. Some of the dogs were underweight, some had old wounds that were left untreated and had become infected.
It was noted that a number of dogs had untreated broken bones that had healed abnormally. Puppies were suffering with Parvovirus, a highly infectious intestinal disease, and all the dogs were infested with internal and external parasites. One of the dogs had an untreated broken jaw. Charges were laid and the case is set for 21 July 2020.
Over the last year, Inspectors from the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit have undertaken follow up inspections to ensure that the remainder of the dogs that were being kept on this property were being adequately cared for.
Inspectors found a vast improvement, however, on their last visit in May 2020, they found that the conditions had taken a turn for the worse which led to the removal of the remaining 31 dogs on the property.
Dogs were found with severe scarring, cuts, and abrasions, and old, untreated injuries. There was inadequate shelter available, the dogs had external parasite infestations and wounds that were consistent with wild animal attacks which occur when dogs are used for hunting. Many dogs were underweight and were being bullied by other dogs.
A second case is being opened against the accused who will appear in court in July for the first case against him.
‘We are devastated that the conditions have worsened for the animals in this man’s care – we know that the justice system and our courts are overburdened, but had this case been heard swiftly, and denial of ownership of any animal be ordered, these dogs would not have had to suffer. We will endeavour to have both matters heard promptly and ensure that denial of ownership is granted,’ said National Inspector Kgakgamatso Moseki of the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit.
Image credit: NSPCA
