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Animal welfare steps in to save Ali the dog from her torturer in Bryanston
A man has been apprehended in Sandton on allegations of severe mistreatment towards his dog. This action ensued following a distress call received by the South African Animal Welfare Inspectorate Association (SAAWIA) from a rescue group on August 31, reporting an incident where a dog had been subjected to violence with a brick in Bryanston.
SAAWIA trainee inspector Eugesh Haricharan, accompanied by Lee-Anne Ramalho from The Dogs Trust, responded to an anonymous tip-off at the residence where the reported abuse had occurred.
Haricharan mentioned, “Lee-Anne received anonymous WhatsApp messages regarding Ali [the dog] being subjected to regular abuse.” Upon presenting their identification, they informed the occupants of their visit based on allegations of animal cruelty.
The condition of Ali was found to be severely compromised with multiple injuries by Ramalho and Haricharan. These included extensive wounds on both paws, significant trauma to the left side of the face, and mouth injuries potentially caused by forceful extraction of an object. Subsequently, Ali was promptly taken to a veterinary clinic for urgent care.
Further examination revealed a combination of fresh wounds along with preexisting ones, indicating a history of sustained physical abuse against Ali.
Haricharan noted, “Ali is currently in a highly distressed state and will necessitate extensive veterinary attention. She will be under the care of The Dogs Trust during her recovery, and legal actions against the owner will be pursued.”
SAAWIA spokesperson Andries Venter stated that upon realization of potential legal consequences, the dog’s owner cooperated and relinquished Ali, acknowledging the traumatized state the dog was in and the physical trauma endured.
Veterinarian Anthia Cronje, from Pette Paws Vet in Midrand, described Ali’s condition upon arrival for treatment and highlighted the dog’s persistent fear and apprehension towards humans following the ordeal.
The Gauteng district police spokesperson, Captain Jeff Phora, was contacted for details on the owner’s custody status, potential charges, and anticipated penalties concerning the mistreatment. However, no response had been received at the time of publication.
A court date has been scheduled for October 9 at the Randburg Magistrates Court to address this case. Individuals willing to contribute towards Ali’s medical expenses can contact Petite Paws Veterinary Clinic or make anonymous donations to the specified bank account referencing ‘Ali’.
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