On Wednesday, 25 March 2026, the NSPCA team arrived at the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court for the first appearance of the accused in Bobby’s matter, only to discover it had not been placed on the Court Roll. Our Inspector immediately followed up with the Prosecutor and Control Prosecutor, and while the accused had been subpoenaed, the matter had somehow been omitted. Once placed on the Roll, it emerged that the accused was not the influencer who had filmed herself dancing while Bobby stood visibly emaciated in the background, but Bobby’s owner, Mr Elliot Tshigo.
Heard last on the Roll that day, the matter was postponed to Thursday, 27 March 2026, to allow Mr Tshigo to apply for Legal Aid representation. He returned today, and the matter was postponed again — this time to 14 April 2026 — for the State to confirm whether Mr Tshigo has a prior criminal record.
South Africa first met Bobby in the background of a video.
A social media influencer was dancing for the camera. Behind her, almost incidental to the scene, sat Bobby (affectionately named by X-users) – visibly emaciated, lethargic, and clearly suffering. The video went viral, but not for the reasons its creator intended. Within hours, hundreds of viewers had contacted the NSPCA, demanding that someone find that dog.
Our Special Projects Unit did exactly that.
When Inspectors located Bobby, the extent of her neglect was severe. She was found severely malnourished, suffering from fly strike, and covered in ticks and fleas. She had been reduced to eating plastic to survive.
The influencer, upon learning that the NSPCA was investigating, took to social media to mock the organisation. That response did not age well.
Bobby was placed in the care of the Nigel SPCA before being transferred to the Boksburg SPCA, where an on-site veterinarian could oversee her rehabilitation.
A transformation that moved a nation
What followed was a recovery that matched the outrage of what had come before it.
“She is the most lovable dog, handing out kisses to everyone since the moment she arrived,” the NSPCA noted following her rescue.
Over the weeks that followed, Bobby gained weight, her coat grew shiny and healthy, and her gentle, affectionate nature made her a firm favourite among the SPCA team. She was even treated to a grooming session at a local parlour in Boksburg.
Bobby has since been adopted into a loving home. The ending she always deserved.
The legal process
Bobby’s owner now faces charges under the Animals Protection Act. The matter is being prosecuted in the Boksburg Magistrates’ Court, and the NSPCA will continue to monitor proceedings closely.
The NSPCA does not pursue these matters lightly. Every case brought before a court represents both accountability for the individual accused and a broader message: animal cruelty has consequences in South Africa, and the NSPCA exists to ensure that message holds.
How you can help
Bobby’s story began because ordinary South Africans refused to scroll past what they saw. Their reports made her rescue possible.
If you witness or suspect animal cruelty or neglect, please contact your nearest SPCA or the NSPCA directly. Your call can change a life.
If you are as passionate about animals and their well-being as we are, consider supporting our causes by donating.
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