A case of animal cruelty has been opened against a police officer after he allegedly shot and killed a dog during a search at a property in Broadlands, Strand.
According to IOL, Tyson was shot with a rubber bullet which caused a gaping neck wound that eventually led to his death.
SAPS confirmed that the police was searching for illegal drugs and firearms on the premises, when the dog suddenly became aggressive.
“The focus of the operation was to address rival gangs in the area and search for illicit drugs and firearms… According to reports, a dog on the said premises was aggressive and out of control when it attacked the member. To protect himself and his colleagues against the attacking dog, he fired one rubber round with a shotgun at it. “The owner was present during this incident,” said spokesperson FC Van Wyk.
The police report further indicated that SAPS members contacted the SPCA to come and assist the injured dog. The inspector arrived at the house, but was chased away by the owner, who then contacted the Gordon’s Bay Animal Welfare Society for assistance.
“Tyson, who had been shot by a uniformed member of SAPS, had already been taken to the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) in Gordon’s Bay in a desperate bid to save his life and so, inspector Syce proceeded to inspect the property and interview witnesses,” the SPCA said.
According to Tyson’s owner, the dog was in the yard when the police arrived at their home. A policeman jumped out of the one vehicle and immediately without any reason shot a rubber bullet through the gap of the hence, hitting Tyson in the neck.
The policeman then chased Tyson, who ran fearfully to the back of the property and fired more rounds, one which hit him in the back.
According to the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, Tyson had severe trauma to his neck area, with an 8cm wound extending deep into the surrounding tissue. Given the extent of his injuries, and according to the vet’s expert opinion that Tyson would suffocate as a result of the swelling, he had to be put down.
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