WARNING: Article contains graphic images
A dog, who was found chained underneath a bridge with a gaping wound around its neck, has been rescued by a member of the public and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
The hondjie fondly, called Finley, had been suffering for days, the thick chain embedded in his neck, without food or water.
The wound had already turned septic and attracted flies.
COMFORT: SPCA officer pacifies a scared and traumatised Finley
Belinda Abraham of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA says a phone call from a member of the public saved the dog’s life.
“Imagine being left abandoned under a bridge,” explains Belinda.
“Tied up and unable to even attempt to fend for yourself.
“The rope around your neck has already grown deep into your flesh and caused a wound that is badly infected.
“A cloud of flies have followed the scent of rotting flesh and are hanging in a cloud above your head.
“You try and snap at the flies to keep them away from your wound but they just keep on coming back.
“It’s torturous. You are all alone and in pain. You have no food or water and you are slowly starving.
“You can hear cars passing above but they can’t hear you calling for help.
“The only scent hanging in the air is the putrid smell coming from your wound.
“All hope is lost and you have no energy left to cry. You are curled up in a bundle, waiting to die.
“This is what a dog, now called Finley (the white warrior), had to endure before Field Officer Sonwabo Sithole and Collection Officer Adeeb Salie came to his rescue.”
LIFE-THREATENING: Chain penetrated into Finley's flesh.
“Thankfully, a member of the Penlyn Estate community saw Finley under the bridge and called us to help him.”
The brakkie was transported to the hospital where it underwent medical treatment and procedure to remove the chain.
The medical medical costs amounted to R5000.
“Finley was brought back to our Veterinary Hospital for immediate treatment where Dr Maistry tended to his wounds and removed the embedded rope from his neck,” explains Belinda.
“Finley had to be placed under anaesthetic for this procedure and is now on antibiotics and pain medication.
She says they are calling on the public to come forward with information in the hopes of prosecution.
Any information that could lead to the prosecution of his owners would be welcomed and reports can be made anonymously by emailing [email protected] or calling 021 700 4158/9 during office hours or 083 326 1604 after hours.”
You can help Finley and others like him recover and find loving homes with a donation of any amount made at https://capespca.co.za/donate/