Few people realise how often dogs are impaled on gate or fence spikes when they try to jump over. Security measures like this can be exceedingly dangerous, and dogs are also often impaled when they are terrified by fireworks. A message was received about a dog on a spike in Ferguson Road, and Jacqui was alone, because the other inspectors had been called out.

Fortunately, Bruce was able to accompany her, because she knew that she would not be able to manage a dog on a spike on her own. The dog had been impaled in one of its back legs near the stomach and had been there for some time by the time they arrived. It had at first struggled desperately, but then lay quietly because any movement caused greater pain. The owner, a car guard, was on duty, but had been called by someone and arrived to help. Fortunately, he was a big, sturdy man. Jacqui managed to muzzle the dog.

Bruce then injected a tranquilliser and they waited six or seven minutes for it to take effect. Between them, they then levered the dog off the spike, put it in the SPCA and took it straight to the hospital.
The dog was put on a drip and given antibiotics, and at the time of writing was being watched in case of infection and any suspicion that the spike had pierced an organ. It will go back home when it is well enough to do so. .... more reports »