On August 28, 2013, members of Cape of Good Hope SPCA (CoGH), South Africa, saved a male mutt from drowning in a freezing shallow lake, when they ventured into the water to rescue the dying animal who had his head stuck inside a black, plastic container.
According to Spokeswoman, Lamees Martin, the organization received several calls reporting an animal in distress near Cape Town’s Wallacedene water treatment plant.
Inspectors Clive Matthews and David Damon were dispatched to the scene and they walked approximately 20 meters in shoulder-deep freezing water, to reach the struggling dog.
The canine, an adult neutered male found with identification tags, was in terrible conditions. The jar restricted his breathing, ability to see where he was wandering into, and was slowly starving to death.
Once rescued, the dog was taken to CoGH SPCA’s hospital in Grassy Park where veterinarians successfully removed the container from his head. The dog was in shock from spending so much time in the plastic jug’s darkness.
As soon as the container was removed, the dog ate and drank water. He is receiving proper medical care at the animal hospital and will be kept there until authorities investigate and find the culprit(s) of this horrific crime.
“We suspect that he had been dumped and left for dead,” said Martin.
CoGH SPCA is asking community members to step forward with any information that could lead to capturing the dog’s abuser(s). You can call 021 700 4158/59, or 083 326 1604, or email [email protected] to leave any details that can help the investigation.
