American comedian, Josh Billings, once said a dog was the only thing on earth that loved you more, than you loved yourself.

Yet, despite their overwhelming love and compassion, dogs are at times the victims of vicious cruelty. A cold-blooded cruelty that often comes at the hands of people. The very people meant to care for them.

The SPCA is currently investigating a case where a person poured boiling hot water over a five-month-old puppy. “I got the call earlier this week, where it was reported that a dog owner’s landlord had poured the water over the puppy,” explained Heather Gero from the SPCA.

The reason for this unnecessary vicious behaviour?

Gero explains the landlord apparently has an issue with the dog being on the property, accusing the defenceless dog of making a mess in the yard.

Gero and SPCA staff immediately rushed to the scene in Arbor Park, where they were met by the puppy crying in pain. Its shaking body wet from where the water had scorched it body.

The dog was rushed to the vet to receive treatment for its injuries. A criminal case is now being investigated. Gero explains the court will now decide on what penalty the perpetrator will face.

The Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962 states:

By wantonly or unreasonably or negligently doing or omitting to do any act or causing or procuring the commission or omission of any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal, will be guilty of an offence.

If convicted, the perpetrator is liable to either a fine or imprisonment.

“The dog seems fine physically, but the dog is emotionally traumatised,” says Gero.

With the culprit now facing criminal charges, Gero claims people need to be aware of animal cruelty. “If the landlord had an issue with the dog and its owner, they should rather have called the SPCA.”

By contacting the SPCA, an issue pertaining to an animal can be amicably resolved, without an innocent puppy being hurt.

What are your thoughts on the incident? What steps do you think must be taken against the perpetrator?