Not for sensitive viewers: Shocking footage of Hermanus pet sitters abusing a dog
An investigation of animal cruelty has been launched after the CCTV footage went viral on social media.
The National Council Of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is investigating a case of animal abuse.
A case of animal abuse has been opened against the two pet sitters who are seen on video hitting the dog named Hector. One of the pet sitters is then seen grabbing Hector by his skin and violently flinging him out of the house through an open door.
Hector's owner, Mel Coltman, recruited the two pet sitters via an Hermanus Facebook community group. The couple was highly recommended as a reputable dog sitting service.
Hector is hit several times with a stick whilst being shouted at in the video by the sitters. A female is also heard speaking to the dog in Afrikaans, seemingly upset that the dog had come into the house, exclaiming: “Really now, Hector! You’ve been outside the whole time".
Sharing the video on Facebook, Mel said:
I feel obligated to warn people using this couple as pet sitters after very disturbing video footage that we saw of how they treated our seven-month-old boxer puppy while we were away this weekend. This is just a short clip, but not the only one where our poor Hector gets repeatedly beaten. Please feel free to contact me via Messenger should you want more information
The NSPCA has made a statement over the now viral video, stating in part the following:
There is no excuse for committing such a crime. Perpetrators of the Animals Protection Act are liable to punishment of a fine, imprisonment, or both,” said NSPCA spokesperson Keshvi Nair. “We are hopeful that our judicial system will hand down a sentence that is befitting for this atrocious act, and that the vile humans in the video will be denied ownership of animals in the future
Please note that the video is not for sensitive viewers and is deeply upsetting.
Click here to view the video.
Main image courtesy of Twitter screenshot.