The NSPCA has opened a case after the Phalaborwa SPCA notified it of a video of a dog dragging its hind legs as a result of prolonged suffering.

• The NSPCA laid criminal charges against a Phalaborwa man and his mother for neglecting a dog that suffered for 14 months, despite veterinary advice for euthanasia.
• Attempts by the SPCA to intervene were allegedly met with aggression, leading to a warrant being obtained to investigate the property, where the dog was found buried.
• Post-mortem findings revealed severe injuries and suffering.

The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has laid criminal charges against a Phalaborwa man and his mother, who were allegedly responsible for the death of a dog that endured approximately 14 months of prolonged and preventable suffering.

In a statement, the NSPCA said it became involved after receiving a disturbing video from the SPCA in Phalaborwa on 29 January, which showed a black German Shepherd-type dog dragging its hind legs and moving only using its front legs.

The statement added that, in the video, a man can be heard telling the SPCA, “This dog wants to live”, even though the dog was struggling to move.

NSPCA communications lead Samanta Stelli said attempts by the Phalaborwa SPCA to intervene were met with resistance.

“When the Phalaborwa SPCA’s trainee inspector attempted to intervene, the owner became aggressive and physically shoved the inspector off the property,” added Stelli.

She said the trainee inspector first came across the dog during an inspection in the area in January this year.

“Given the seriousness of the situation and the refusal to cooperate, the NSPCA diverted an inspector to Phalaborwa and obtained a warrant from the Phalaborwa Magistrate’s Court to access the property and investigate further,” added Stelli.

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According to veterinary findings, the dog had been suffering since November 2024.

The statement added that even though the vet recommended euthanasia in November 2024, the suspects chose to keep the dog.

Stelli said the NSPCA returned to the property at a later stage with a warrant to gain access.

“When NSPCA inspectors arrived at the property with the warrant, accompanied by members of the South African Police Service and representatives from the Phalaborwa SPCA, they were informed that the dog had already died and had been buried in the backyard.

“When the suspects were asked to produce the body of the dog, they refused and told the inspector that if they wished to see the animal, they would need to exhume it themselves.”

The carcass was exhumed, and after examining the remains, including the position of its hind legs as well as comparing it with the video footage, it was positively identified.

The post-mortem and veterinary findings showed that the dog’s suffering caused severe chafing leg injuries and joint abnormalities, according to the NSPCA.

The exact cause of the dog’s death remains unknown.

The NSPCA has laid criminal charges against the suspects under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.