Update On Dog Shot In Melmoth Area

The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) investigated the matter of the deputy mayor and his bodyguards for the cruel shooting of a dog in the Melmoth area on 25 November 2017, and the findings were more horrific than originally reported.

Video footage of the incident surfaced on social media, bringing it to the attention of the NSPCA and Eshowe SPCA 5 days after the dog was shot. The Eshowe SPCA Inspector attended to the complaint as soon as he was made aware of the situation and found a dog still alive with multiple gunshot wounds. 5 days had lapsed and not a single person sought help for this animal, allowing it to suffer for a prolonged period of time.

On closer analysis of the video that originally depicted a dog that is tied to a pole being repeatedly shot – it came to light that four dogs were in fact shot. 1 dog was shot multiple times, another dog escaped wounded and 2 puppies were shot. One of the puppies was in the hands of a 9 year old boy and the shooter took the shot whilst still in the hands of the young boy.

A witness stated that there was no proof that these were the dogs that attacked livestock as livestock roam and that it was assumed that it was these dogs, two of which were puppies.

“We are absolutely overcome with devastation for these animals who have been failed by humans. The sheer disregard to their sentience is disturbing and to walk away showing absolutely no shame is unforgiveable, in the midst of children, while one of the animals is in the hands of a child – it is inconceivable to think that this was the act of leadership” said Meg Wilson, manager of the NSPCA Communications Unit.

An NSPCA Inspector travelled to Melmoth to open a case against the accused and was accompanied by an armed guard from Ummvemve Investments CC. as there were concerns for the Inspector’s safety given the nature of the case.

The NSPCA have laid charges against the deputy mayor, the shooters and the owner of the dogs in terms of the Animals Protection Act No 71 of 1962. Furthermore, the South African Police Services are investigating the matter in terms of the Firearms Control Act No 60 of 2000.

Sincere appreciation is expressed to Ummvemve Investments CC. for assisting our Inspector at no cost.