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Inspectors from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA sprung into action after receiving reports from Kirstenhof SAPS of a number of dogs trapped inside a vehicle for over four hours, with no ventilation.
According to the reports, the car had not moved from its location in four days.
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Upon arrival, three dogs were found in the vehicle. The owner had shut the windows and refused to cooperate with the SPCA inspectors and police officers.
‘For nearly four hours, our dedicated inspectors negotiated, urging the owner to open the vehicle as the windows fogged up from the heat and lack of fresh air,’ reported the SPCA. ‘The dogs, visibly in distress and panting, needed immediate rescue.’
After consistent refusal from the owner to unlock the car doors, the team were forced to break the back windows in order to rescue the dogs.
The inspectors then managed to get two of the three dogs out of the vehicle. The third – a puppy – was discovered to be stuck underneath the driver’s seat, where the owner was sitting.
Despite pleads from both the SPCA inspectors and Kirstenhof police officers to get out of the vehicle so that the puppy could be freed, the owner continued to obstruct the team.
It was only after several pleas, warnings of arrest for obstruction and contempt, and forced help from an inspector that the woman got out of the car that the third dog was rescued from under the seat.
‘Shockingly, the owner sat laughing. Only when faced with arrest did she decide to speak,’ reported the animal organisation.
The owner was arrested for obstruction and the three dogs are now safely in the care of the SPCA.
It was also discovered that the owner was also allegedly wanted for an arson case.
‘Remember, it’s a criminal offence to obstruct an SPCA inspector, authorised under Section 8 of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962,’ said the SPCA.
‘This incident is a stark reminder: Animal cruelty is real and unacceptable. Let’s stand together to protect our furry friends,’ added the animal organisation.
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Picture: Screenshot from video / YouTube
