Neglect of guard dogs exposed

NSPCA finds welfare breaches in security industry.

- Masoka Dube

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has sounded the alarm over the mistreatment of guard dogs by security companies operating in Johannesburg's nature reserves - raising serious concerns about animal welfare in the industry.

Following tip-offs from residents, inspectors found dogs confined to cramped, dirty cages at Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, prompting a formal warning under the Animals Protection Act.

While conditions at The Wilds were deemed acceptable, the broader issue has reignited debate over how working dogs are treated when off duty and whether enough is being done to protect them.

According to concerned residents, the guard dogs in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve in Johannesburg and The Wilds Nature Reserve in Houghton, are kept in cages and not being well cared for.

A joint inspection was conducted recently by the NSPCA and the Johannesburg SPCA, NSPCA spokesperson Jacques Peacock said.