SPCA team bravely rescues dog guarding its deceased owner

The Randwest SPCA (SPCA Randfontein & Westonaria) team recently faced an experience that will forever remain etched in their memories. 

The SPCA said that one Friday afternoon, cadet Inspector Nolo Molobi received an urgent call from the police asking for help. 

A man had allegedly committed suicide and his dog, a crossbreed female, was guarding his body, preventing authorities from gaining access. Additionally, no relatives could be reached and there was uncertainty about other animals in the house. 

This led Molobi and animal assistant Micheal Makumbe to rush to the scene to help. 

“What they encountered, however, was beyond anything they had ever faced. The trauma of the environment left them shaken and emotionally distressed. Despite the horrifying conditions, they managed to safely rescue the dog,” the SPCA said. 

The animal protection organisation reported that the victim was also believed to have owned snakes. However, due to the severe trauma at the scene, a thorough search could not be completed at that time.

“The dog was immediately taken to Kameel Street Veterinary Clinic, where Dr Lourens Coetzer provided compassionate care. We extend our deepest thanks to him,” the SPCA said. 

Manager Inspector Rene van Straten and field officer Junior Cuna revisited the property to search for any additional animals. No other animals were discovered during their search.

The SPCA extended its condolences to the victim’s loved ones. 

“This incident has left trainee inspector Molobi and animal assistant Makumbe emotionally shattered. Our team faces trauma regularly, but some cases are so devastating that they push even the strongest to their limits.”

The SPCA had appealed to the community for pro bono support from a licensed counsellor or psychologist. This support would provide counselling sessions to help the team process the recent trauma and address other emotional challenges.

Van Straten said they are extremely grateful with the response they received and they are now in a position where their whole team could get counselling. 

On past traumas the SPCA team dealt with, Van Straten said: “Other traumas involve incidents where our officers sometimes get verbally and sometimes physically attacked when animals in welfare compromised conditions get removed. 

“Our officers are exposed to daily abuse, from animals on short chains in the sun, no water, chains sometimes being embedded into the skin, to large livestock involved in MVAs (motor vehicle accidents) they are still alive but then with broken legs or spine and have to be humanely euthanised.”

Van Straten added that the dog remains in the Randwest SPCA’s care.

The SPCA can be contacted via manager@spcarandwest.co.za

If you or someone you know has thought of suicide, contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393.