The dog, now named Siyabonga, was taken to the Hluhluwe State Veterinary Clinic for an assessment.
Image: Google Gemini
A 39-year-old man from Mtubatuba faces serious charges for allegedly attempting to kill a dog by throwing it off a bridge into the St Lucia Estuary, with weights tied around its neck.
The accused, who appeared in the Mtubatuba Magistrates’ Court earlier this week, faces charges filed by the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).
The NSPCA's Samanta Stelli said last month a witness at the Siyabonga Tourism Centre saw the accused holding a brown dog by a blue and white rope, violently kicking it before hurling the animal off a bridge into the St Lucia Estuary.
"A boat operator at the Siyabonga Jetty subsequently found the dog struggling to swim in the estuary. After pulling the animal to safety, she removed a heavy weight that had been tied around its neck," Stelli said.
She said the dog, now named Siyabonga, was taken to the Hluhluwe State Veterinary Clinic for an assessment.
A clinical examination confirmed physical injuries consistent with a head impact, as well as evidence of neglect, including a heavy parasite infestation, malnourishment, and behavioural signs consistent with prior trauma.
Stelli said the vehicle was traced to a property in the Mtubatuba area.
Police were also notified, and when questioned, the accused allegedly admitted to throwing the dog off the bridge. He claimed the dog had killed his chickens.
The dog has since been vaccinated, sterilised, and is in a place of safety.
The accused now faces charges under the Animals Protection Act for this "callous act of deliberate cruelty".
Members of the public who witness suspected animal cruelty are urged to report it to the NSPCA on 011 907 3590 or at www.nspca.co.za.