CAPE TOWN - A Khayelitsha dog owner faces charges of animal cruelty after his pitbull was found severely neglected.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA (CoGH SPCA) said inspector Siviwe Noko, also known as “the General”, obtained a court order from the Khayelitsha Magistrate’s Court after receiving a complaint lodged by a concerned member of the community.
The Pitbull was starved, had a skin condition, had no access to adequate shelter, and was in desperate need of veterinary care.
The owner informed CoGH SPCA members during an investigation that he allows his friends to borrow his dog to mate with their dogs.
Inspectors had offered sterilisation, which the owner declined.
“The owner failed to comply with the initial warning and two further warnings that were issued.
“The owner made no effort to take the dog to a veterinarian or provide the dog with adequate shelter.
“During the last inspection, prior to the seizure, inspector Noko appealed to the owner to rather surrender the dog to the SPCA if he is not going to comply with the warnings. The owner informed Inspector Noko that he will not surrender the dog to the SPCA and that he is ready to face the consequences,” the SPCA said.
The owner lives less than a kilometre from an animal clinic, the SPCA noted.
Resident veterinarian, Dr Stephan Spamer, examined the dog and found it to be in poor health.
Dr Spamer’s veterinary notes read:“ the skin condition is believed to be the result of either chronic environmental allergies or marked parasite burden, likely the latter. The overall condition of the dog may be attributed to chronic neglect, inadequate care, and poor parasite control. Wounds on the face are consistent with dog bite wounds.”
The public is urged to report any cases of animal abuse to the SPCA’s Inspectorate by calling 021 700 4158/59 or by sending an email to [email protected]
Cape Times