Latest news with #4Paws
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- The Citizen
Raise your voice against animal cruelty in your community
From the streets of Diepsloot to the quiet suburbs of Robertsham, recent stories of cruelty toward animals have shaken communities and drawn attention to the devastating impact of abuse and neglect. Dogs: Danger, Maxie, Red, and Khaos, have come to symbolise both the horrors animals endure, and the hope offered by those who fight to protect them. In Diepsloot, a gentle township dog named Danger was left clinging to life after being beaten by a group of alleged gangsters. Known for his friendly and protective nature, Danger was brutally attacked, sustaining serious trauma to his face and eye. 'We found the dog severely battered and broken,' said Merinda Brits, founder of Fourways-based rescue organisation 4Paws. 'He had cuts and bruises all over, and his eye was so badly injured that it had to be removed.' Despite the permanent injury, Danger is adapting well. 'He's learning to live with just one eye.' His owner, overwhelmed with gratitude, has vowed to secure his yard to prevent another attack. 4Paws is now appealing for donations to cover Danger's ongoing veterinary care. Also read: Fur babies put their best paws forward for a great cause Just weeks earlier, Brits responded to another desperate call from Diepsloot, this time about Maxie, a golden retriever cross who had dragged herself home with a shattered leg. Her owner believed she'd been hit by a car. 'We rushed her to the vet, but her bones were so badly broken that her leg couldn't be saved. The surgery went well, but the recovery was long. She would sit by the door, whimpering, confused by the loss of her limb.' Eventually, Maxie's owner asked Brits to take her in, fearing she could be injured again. Now, living at 4Paws, Maxie is ready for a new home. 'She's very friendly, around two years old, and good with other dogs, just not with cats. We really hope someone will come forward to adopt her.' Also read: Dog left with one eye after brutal beating In Robertsham, tragedy struck Kerlene Treunicht, founder of Missing Pet Solutions in Fourways, when armed robbers broke into her home and poisoned her two beloved K9 partners, Red and Khaos, using sausages laced with illegal poison. 'They weren't just dogs; they were heroes. They helped bring lost pets home. Now they're gone.' Treunicht has launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise funds to train new search dogs in their honour. To donate, offer help, or adopt Maxie, contact Merinda Brits at 083 377 3219 or email: [email protected]. Animal rescue is a fight against cruelty, and now more than ever, these heroes need your help. Also read: SA Guide-Dogs empower lives one cane at a time If you witness animal cruelty, neglect, or abandonment, report it immediately to the Johannesburg Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals via email: [email protected] or call (011) 681 3600. A list of SPCA contact details in South Africa can be found here: Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
03-07-2025
- The Citizen
Dog left with one eye after brutal beating in Diepsloot
Dog left with one eye after brutal beating in Diepsloot A friendly township dog named Danger is lucky to be alive after being brutally attacked by a group of alleged gangsters in Diepsloot, leaving him with severe injuries, fighting for his life. Known in his community for his gentle and protective nature, Danger was left defenceless in the face of the violent assault, which has shocked residents and animal lovers alike. Northcliff Melville Times reports that a desperate call from his distraught owner was received by Fourways-based animal rescue organisation 4Paws. The team rushed to the scene without delay, only to be met with a heartbreaking sight. 'We found the dog severely battered and broken, and immediately took him to our vet,' said Merinda Brits from 4Paws. 'Danger had been beaten on the left side of his face, causing serious trauma to his eye. He also had cuts and bruises around the area.' Veterinarians worked quickly to stabilise him, but the damage was irreversible. Danger's eye was so badly injured it had to be surgically removed. Despite the brutal attack and permanent injury, Danger's resilience has stunned his rescuers. 'He's doing quite well and is adapting to life with just one eye,' said Brits. His owner, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, has promised Brits to take extra measures to keep his beloved dog safe going forward. 'He was very happy to have Danger back home and told us he will now get locks for his gate,' Brits added. Danger's case has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by animals in vulnerable communities and the urgent need for public support. 4Paws is now appealing for donations to help cover Danger's veterinary costs and continued care. 'We'll continue taking Danger to our vet for follow-ups,' said Brits. 'All the owner needs to do is love him and care for him.' Founded in 2006, 4Paws has rescued countless animals in need. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
4Paws Empire Wins At Love Local
This year's Love Local was another popular event, with more than 100 local businesses filling Te Rauparaha Arena to sell their products and promote their services. A big congratulations to the team at 4Paws Empire for taking out the People's Choice Award for best booth or truck. The Mushroom House and Poi Creations were close runners-up. One of the fantastic stores inside Kai Tahi, 4Paws Empire provides affordable, high-quality products for fellow dog lovers. Run by Glenna and Damon, 4Paws offers a variety of items, from harnesses, leads and collars, to dog treats and 'puppuccinos'. As Kai Tahi is a dog-friendly space, dog owners can bring their four-legged friends in to check out what's on offer in store. Love Local has gone from strength to strength since the first event in 2020, this year attracting more than 4000 people through the door at the 7 June event. The People's Choice Award is chosen by attendees who can vote for their favourite booth or truck on the day by scanning a QR code featured on posters around the expo. As this year's People's Choice winner, 4Paws will receive promotion, including a professional photoshoot.
The Citizen
05-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Maxie, a hit-and-run survivor, needs a loving home
Merinda Brits from 4Paws, a non-profit organisation dedicated to saving animals, received a call from a man who lives in Diepsloot, a few weeks ago. The man assumed that his dog, Maxie, had been hit by a car. With a severely broken leg and unimaginable pain, this brave dog somehow managed to drag herself home. 'We rushed to the scene, loaded the injured dog into our vehicle and took her to our vet,' said Brits. 'Unfortunately, our vet informed us that her bones were shattered in more places than they could count and that her leg couldn't be saved.' Also read: Become a puppy raiser for guide dogs Brits said the surgery went well even even though the recovery period was very long for the poor furry friend. 'She would sit by the door, whimpering softly, confused by the absence of her limb.' But day by day, step by shaky step, Maxie learned to walk again. Brits said her owner asked her if they could take his dog into their shelter, out of fear that this unfortunate incident might happen again. This was music to Brits' ears who gladly took the dog in and is now looking for a home for it. Also read: USAID has also left furry friends in the fray, expert warns 'She is very friendly, around two years old, and she is a golden retriever cross. She is good with other dogs, but unfortunately, not good with cats. She is desperately looking for a home, so we are hoping your article will help.' The organisation was established in 2006 and has rescued many animals. To donate for them to continue doing what they love the most, saving dogs, and to offer Maxie a new home, contact 083 377 3219 or email merinda@ Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
