3 days ago
SPCA explains nutrition needs after skinny dog's fast food 'treat'
The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) has stepped in after a Limpopo man shared footage of himself feeding his dog takeaway chicken.
Hendrick Makuya, from a village near Thohoyandou who shares clips seeking to portray 'a soft life', posted a video of himself giving his dog Bobby pieces of KFC, with bones, for 'a birthday gift'.
The footage quickly spread on social media and drew criticism from animal lovers who said the dog appeared underweight.
According to Jacques Peacock, communications manager at NSPCA, many human fast foods are high in fat, salt, sugar and additives, which dogs' digestive systems are not equipped to process. Importantly, 'cooked chicken bones, often found in fried chicken, can splinter easily, posing a serious risk of choking, internal injuries or intestinal blockages,' he said.
Peacock said the NSPCA picked up the video during its own media monitoring and soon after got a formal complaint from a member of the public. The matter was referred to the nearest branch for investigation.
A senior inspector from the Louis Trichardt SPCA visited the property and assessed the dogs. One was in a good condition.
