WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
Jack, a dog who had spent his entire life chained up, was found to be parasite-infested, underweight, and with the chain around his neck growing into his skin, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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However, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is sure that he will fully recover after being rescued from horrible conditions.
He was discovered without water or food in sight.
According to SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham, Inspector Werner Taljaard smelt Jack before seeing him at a property in Grassy Park.
The horrible smell of rot is evident. But nothing could have prepared inspectors for the absolute horror of what he discovered. Jack’s chain was so knotted that his movements were limited to a few steps. Ticks were all over his body, including his ears and eyes.
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‘A tennis ball-sized growth dangling from his neck wound, was the only thing about him with any freedom of movement. Shockingly, his suffering was of no concern to the four individuals living in the house, it was as if the stench of neglect and pain wasn’t filling the air they breathed every day,’ Abraham said.
Inspector Taljaard was able to secure a warrant from Wynberg Magistrate’s Court to rescue Jack from his desperate predicament.
During the rescue, it was discovered that the sharp ends of the cable ties used to restrain Jack had pierced deep into his neck wound. It could not be removed without emergency surgery, thus Jack had to be transferred to the SPCA hospital while his chain remained intact.
‘While sedation brought him his first taste of relief, it left our veterinary team shocked. As they carefully shaved the area, they could finally see the full extent of his wounds, and it was bad. With the chain finally removed and the site cleaned and sterile, Jack was fully anaesthetised for surgery to remove the large growth of skin that would’ve left him feeling choked, even without the 2kg weight of the chain he’d carried,’ Abraham said.
The SPCA claimed the ticks had driven the poor animal insane.
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Jack recently took his first steps outside of his medical ward, and he was very apprehensive about his newfound independence.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse persuaded him to take a few steps. It is believed that Jack, who is estimated to be three years old, has never experienced anything other than solitary confinement.
‘While Jack takes his first tentative steps towards a life of freedom, our Inspectorate is taking bold strides towards justice for him. This team of dedicated individuals are literally running toward that goal by participating in the 5km Sanlam Cape Town Marathon to raise funds that will keep them in the courtrooms, fighting for justice for Jack and so many others like him,’ Abraham added.
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Picture: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
