WARNING: This article contains images and depictions of cruelty that may upset sensitive readers.
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) has laid criminal charges against a Phalaborwa man and his mother following the death of a dog that endured approximately 14 months of prolonged and preventable suffering.
On 29 January 2026, the NSPCA received disturbing video footage from the Phalaborwa SPCA concerning a black German Shepherd-type dog with severely impaired mobility. The footage showed the dog dragging its hind legs and moving only with its front legs. In the video, a man can be heard stating to the SPCA that, “this dog wants to live”, while the animal visibly struggled to move.
Despite the veterinarian recommending euthanasia in November 2024, the suspects decided to keep the animal. During an attempt by the Phalaborwa SPCAs’ Trainee Inspector to intervene, the owner became aggressive and physically shoved the Trainee Inspector off the property.
The Trainee Inspector later returned to the property with a Warning, instructing that the animal receive urgent veterinary attention. However, upon arrival he was informed that the dog had allegedly died at the local veterinary clinic. When enquiring with the veterinary clinic, they advised that no such animal had been brought in.
Given the seriousness of the situation, an NSPCA Inspector in the province was immediately diverted and travelled to Phalaborwa on 30 January 2026. A warrant was obtained from the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court to access the property.
Upon execution of the warrant, accompanied by members of the South African Police Service and the Phalaborwa SPCA, the NSPCA was informed that the dog had died and was buried. When requested to produce the body, the suspects refused and indicated that the Inspectors should exhume the animal themselves.
The carcass was subsequently exhumed and positively identified. It was transported to a veterinarian for a post-mortem examination.
The post-mortem examination revealed significant chafing to the hind legs, consistent with prolonged dragging, as well as abnormal thickening and backward positioning of the hind limb joints. According to the veterinary report, the animal had been dragging itself since approximately November 2024. The specific cause of death remains unknown.
Veterinary findings, read together with the video evidence, confirmed that the dog had suffered extensively prior to its death and had been deprived of any semblance of an acceptable quality of life. The condition reflects prolonged and unnecessary suffering over an extended period, during which the animal was confined outside and forced to drag itself along its belly.
Charges have been laid in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The NSPCA thanks the Phalaborwa SPCA and the South African Police Service for their assistance in executing the warrant and securing evidence. Where animals are deprived of veterinary care and subjected to prolonged suffering, criminal action will follow
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