Yes, some people… many people, in fact… are able to live comfortable lives while their pets starve right in front of their eyes. Someone phoned in from Newlands East to report that a member of the South African Police was starving and seriously neglecting his dog.

This poor animal had suffered an untreated broken leg at one time, and this limb was hanging uselessly. One can only imagine the pain it must have gone through when this fracture happened.The person who phoned in is prepared to give a statement against the owner so that he does not claim – as people often do – that the animal does not belong to him, but is a stray. A docket has been opened.

Jacqui mentioned that when members of the Inspectorate are in Newlands East, and residents see the SPCA vehicle, many of them rush to tell of abused or neglected animals and do not appear to be afraid of intimidation. They are, in fact, delighted when the SPCA removes suffering animals.

There are so many cases of neglect, harsh treatment and lack of feeding and shelter. Some people just don’t know how to cope, and others don’t care. Those who are not able to pay for sterilisation have bitches who are worn out from having puppies every six months, and the puppies face awful lives because they are mostly unwanted and not looked after.

And then there are those who are living on or below the breadline and who love their animals and do their very best for them, no matter what their circumstances. One certainly can’t generalise. We also come across a few well-heeled people who seriously neglect their animals… and that is just so hard to comprehend ....
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