SPCA calls recent act of hanging of a dog, barbaric and inhumane

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says the recent incident of the hanging of a dog in the Suva area is barbaric and inhumane.

Following this incident highlighted by Fijivillage where the poor dog died at Karsanji Street, SPCA has expressed deep disappointment at the rising level of animal cruelty being displayed in recent times and urges Fiji citizens to become proactive in reporting cruelty to animals.

SPCA’s Resident Veterinarian, Doctor Jessica Hoopes also revealed that two cats were recently found in Raiwaqa with their back legs tied with restraining straps. She says the animals had been in this condition for some time before they were found and taken to SPCA.

Doctor Hoopes says the cats were in such terrible condition, they had to be put down to end their suffering.

However the sad situation is that very little can be done to win justice for these animals without any actual evidence.

SPCA President Deepak Rathod urges people to be vigilant and to report any cruelty or mistreatment to an animal to the SPCA or Police.

In addition to actual violence and inflicting of pain, animal cruelty includes failing to provide adequate shelter, water, food and hygiene arrangements, or leaving a wounded or sick animal to suffer.

Rathod says they are particularly saddened that people were willing to watch the dog suffer at Karsanji Street and yet do nothing about it.

He says all animals whether owned or strays, deserve to be treated with respect and compassion and allowed to live free from pain and suffering.

Serious concerns have been raised on why a dog was hung alive at a small bridge at Karsanji Street on Friday night into Saturday morning.

Fijivillage has been informed that the dog was hanging there for hours however no one freed the poor animal.

A concerned member of the public eventually got the dog down however it had passed away by that time.

A number of people passed the area but did not take any action.