The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is investigating a group of Lotus River laaities who allegedly tricked a dog into picking up a firecracker which exploded in the dog’s mouth on Christmas Day.
A resident of Duiker Avenue says the male pavement special, called Dora, was known to
protect neighbours.
But residents who fed the dog daily got a skrik when they found the dog bleeding and in pain last week.
“His name is Dora and he is the community dog. He came to our street a long time ago and we all take chances feeding him,” says the woman, who asked to remain anonymous.
“The incident with the firecracker apparently happened on Christmas Day but I was already sleeping.
“The next day I went to work and when I got home, I saw the dog lying in someone’s yard and he was in a bad condition.
“I called the SPCA because other people saw him but did not have a number to call.
“He was in pain and the inspector told me about the firecracker and they took him away.”
CRUEL ATTACK: Dora was tricked by group of younsters in Lotus River
The woman says residents believe the stoutgat laaities had offered the dog the lit firecracker as food and that resulted in the injury.
“We really don’t know what happened but we believe the children called him like they were giving him a bone and he went because we all gave him food.
“I am not sure who did it, but the community is very hartseer and I told the inspectors I am willing to adopt him.”
SPCA spokesperson, Belinda Abraham, says field officer Sonwabo Sitole and Inspector Jeffery Mfini’s hearts broke when they responded to the call.
The SPCA have renamed the dog and are now calling on the public to assist them in raising funds for the investigation.
“It’s clear that this boy, who we have decided to call Justice, has never known a kind hand,” says Belinda.
“He has old scarring from fighting and if this isn’t bad enough, some children thought it would be entertaining to throw a lit firecracker at him, knowing he would grab it with his mouth.
“As a result, his mouth is severely injured and he will require surgery.”
She says the dog, which is a pit bull cross-breed, had several lacerations and burns in his mouth as a result of the explosion.
“We are investigating the matter and once we have collected all the information, we will open a case under the Animal Protection Act.
“This is not about naughty children or criminal charges but they must understand the consequences of their actions.”