'JUSTICE FOR PUP'

ANIMAL cruelty activists are set to pursue criminal charges against a man who neutered his puppy, leading to the doggy’s death due to shock. 

The tiny mixed-breed brakkie was taken to Mdzananda Animal Clinic in Khayelitsha by his owner, who admitted to attempting to neuter him at home using a sharp blade in a brutal act of animal cruelty. 

The mutilation left weeks-old pup, Survivor, with severe injuries.

Despite immediate intervention and emergency surgery by the clinic’s veterinary team, Survivor succumbed to shock just a few days later.

Marcelle du Plessis, fundraising and communications executive at Mdzananda, said they did everything they could to save the klein brak

She says: “He was just a baby.

“We did everything we could to save him. But the trauma he endured was simply too much.”

The case has sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates, and Mdzananda has confirmed it will pursue prosecution against the owner.

Du Plessis adds: “No one should get away with such cruelty,

“This is not just about Survivor. This is about sending a message that animals deserve better, that they deserve protection, dignity, and compassion.”

She further stated that Survivor’s case is not an isolated one.

She shared: “Just weeks earlier, another puppy, Scooby, was also neutered at home. His scrotum, ears, and tongue were cut. We are going to try proceedings there too.

“I think with Scooby, it was clear abuse. The owner was drunk and angry at the dog. 

“With Survivor, one cannot really understand the logic. 

“It isn’t a lack of education, everyone knows a medical procedure needs to be done by trained individuals, unless it was deliberate abuse, like if the owner was angry and wanted to hurt the puppy.

“In the past month alone, the clinic has treated four more dogs whose necks were severely injured by embedded chains, injuries sustained over prolonged periods of neglect and confinement.

“Such levels of cruelty are devastating. It’s happening far too often. And it has to stop.”

Mdzananda is appealing to the public for emergency donations to continue its lifesaving work.

The organisation, which relies solely on public contributions, says donations will help cover the cost of surgeries, investigations, education initiatives, and the ongoing care of abused animals.

Members of the public who wish to support the clinic’s efforts can donate to Mdzananda Animal Clinic, Nedbank Current Account, Branch Code: 198765, Acc: 1314465147, Reference: Survivor + Your Name.