SPCA Field Officer’s Lost Phone on the Job Sparks Sweetest Act of Kindness

Photo Credit: SPCA Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa via Facebook

He lost his phone to save the lives of two dogs in desperate need. One of Benoni SPCA’s newest Field Officers, Emmanuel Leutle, bravely saved the furry pair that had been forced to engage in illegal hunting and lost his phone during the scramble. But the community rallied to give this heroic story the sweetest ending!

Benoni, South Africa (04 August 2025) – Described as a field officer who consistently goes above and beyond for animal welfare, one of Benoni SPCA’s newest Field Officers, Emmanuel Leutle, truly demonstrated his passion and enthusiasm during a recent shift that cost him one of his prized possessions.

Having spent most of the day going house-to-house in Etwatwa for an outreach program, educating pet owners, assisting with food, donating dog jerseys, giving out puppy toys, and performing dipping and deworming. More importantly, he had also been trying to convince owners to allow their pets to be sterilised.

Emmanuel had already put in a full day’s work, but because he was also on duty for the after-hours shift, he responded to a call about a group of teenagers engaged in illegal hunting with a pack of emaciated dogs.

According to the SPCA, Emmanuel managed to rescue two of the dogs, but the youths fled. A life of further torment was avoided for the dogs; however, during the chase, Emmanuel’s personal phone was lost.

When his heroic act and news of his lost phone were shared online, social media users were more than happy to help Emmanuel get a new one!

“He lost his iPhone XR while on duty and said he only had it on him as he had been communicating with his mom that day. Thankfully, a lovely lady donated a phone from the community. It was amazing,” shares SPCA Benoni’s chairperson, Monique.

Although Emmanuel had been quite shy during the interview process for the field officer position, Monique admits that his dedication has shone through and exceeded expectations.

“Emmanuel is one of my star employees. That man will go above and beyond for anything in the nine months that he has been with us. All he wants to do is study further and become a senior inspector with the SPCA. He is so enthusiastic, and I’m so glad that he persevered and became a part of our team.”

Monique also extended love and appreciation to the Benoni community for their continued support of the work they do.

“I’ve been the chairperson for SPCA Benoni for about four and a half months now, and I can honestly say that when our backs are against the wall, Benoni comes through. When I was chairperson for just four days, I found out we were running out of dog food. I put out a video on our Facebook page at 3 o’clock in the morning because I was in such a state that I couldn’t sleep. The next morning, bakkies were waiting outside with food! We got so much that we were able to help Nigel SPCA with food. It was absolutely incredible. I’m so grateful for the community,” she said.