SPCA seeks justice as 18 dogs poisoned in Lwandle

Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said it is awaiting lab results before opening a criminal case with the police after 18 dogs were found poisoned in Lwandle on Wednesday, September 17.

Residents of Thukumbela awoke to a devastating scene, with nine dogs already lying dead in their own vomit and nine more convulsing, vomiting, and suffering, the SPCA said in a statement.

Nine dogs were admitted to the hospital clinic at the Animal Welfare Society Helderberg, but one was too ill to be saved. The remaining eight battled for their lives under veterinary care.

The SPCA’s Inspector Lwazi Ntungele was called to the scene by the Animal Welfare Society Helderberg.

“What I saw will stay with me for a long time. Dogs lying dead in their own vomit,  children asking me if their dogs would wake up, and men who admitted that they cried for the first time in years.  I feel a heavy responsibility to these dogs and to their families to seek justice for them,” said Mr Ntungele.

All the homes affected were neighbouring properties in Thukumbela Street. Early indications suggest that raw meat, rolled into balls and laced with an as-yet unidentified substance, was thrown into the yards. Samples of the suspected poison, vomit, and animal remains have been sent to a laboratory for urgent analysis.

Asked for an update, Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for SPCA, said they are working with police and that the opening of a case is expected soon.

She confirmed that an 11th dog later died, and that seven dogs survived and were returned to their homes.

“Samples of the suspected poison, vomit, and animal remains have been sent for urgent laboratory analysis, which will inform the case and the possible charges an offender could face. 

“Depending on the substance used, perpetrators could face charges under the Animals Protection Act, as well as the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and the Fertilizers, Farm Feeds, Seeds, and Remedies Act,” said Ms Abraham.  

She reiterated the plea for anyone with any information to report anonymously by calling 0217004158/9 anytime of the day or night.

Inspector for the Animal Welfare Society Helderberg, Kyle Girodo, pleaded for donations as they are running out of food for the dogs.

"We are a non-profit organisation and only able to keep our doors open if the public and commercial sectors donate. For example, we are down to about two days of dog food," he said.