UPDATE: The SPCA conducted a thorough investigation, the outcomes of which established that Layla, the dog in the video, had been willingly given to a family by a homeless person 2 weeks prior. They had taken her into their care with her best interests at heart, but unfortunately, she kept escaping their property despite their best efforts to keep her safe. On the day the video was taken, Layla had once again escaped their property, and while the situation was poorly handled, the two individuals in the video were trying to catch her to prevent her from being run over by cars. Layla is extremely fearful of men, and this resulted in at least one individual being bitten numerous times. While we agree that no dog should be handled in this way, intention is pivotal to court proceedings, and, in this instance, the intentions of these individuals were good.
2 of the dogs previously removed from their residence have been returned to their care, while Layla and her puppies will remain in the care of the SPCA. We extend our thanks once again to those who speak out for animals and report what they see. We give our assurance that we will always act in the best interest of animals.
A disturbing incident involving the abuse of a dog opposite a school in Goodwood was brought to light last week through a video being widely circulated on social media. Prompted by this alarming footage, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA promptly launched an investigation, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Despite initial challenges in tracking down the individuals involved, the breakthrough came when vigilant community members provided crucial information. This led our Inspectors to a residential property in Goodwood, where they discovered the abused dog from the video with a litter of 4 puppies and another two dogs. All the animals on the property were rescued earlier today, after our Inspectors obtained a court order from the Goodwood Magistrates Court.
The 3 dogs and 4 puppies are now safely in the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
The video, which vividly captured the abuse and shows two men forcefully handling the dog, pinning her to the ground, and carrying her by the hind legs while she screamed and struggled—has understandably caused widespread outrage. This footage will serve as a key piece of evidence in the impending cruelty case against the two men involved.
Criminal charges of animal cruelty will be laid against the two men in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962, with the accused potentially facing penalties of up to R40,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment, along with a criminal record, if convicted.
