When neighbours noticed a dog left alone for almost two months and helplessly growing thinner by the day, they threw her food over the wall. Thankfully, someone eventually raised the alarm to get her the help she desperately needed.
Cape Town, South Africa (07 October 2026) – Animals cannot ask for help. They need someone to speak up for them. Thankfully for one poor girl, someone eventually did.
For weeks, neighbours watched helplessly as a dog grew thinner and weaker behind the walls of a property where, according to community members, nobody appeared to be living.
In an attempt to help the abandoned dog, they threw food over the wall to keep her fed. Eventually, a report reached the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Inspectorate, and what the Inspector found was deeply concerning.
“Looking into the property from a neighbouring premises, our Inspector observed an adult female pit bull type dog in an extremely poor condition,” the SPCA team shared in a recent social media post.
The dog’s ribs were visible, her spine protruded, and her hip bones were prominent.
“She was weak, her legs were shaking, and she was standing on broken material amongst piles of scrap, rubbish, wood and discarded household items.”
The hazardous environment was no place for this vulnerable soul to call home. With her body condition assessed at 1 out of 9, the SPCA did not hesitate to issue a warning instructing the owner to obtain immediate veterinary treatment, clean and properly maintain the dog’s living environment, and urgently contact the Inspectorate.
However, when the Inspector returned for a follow-up inspection, the warning left at the property was no longer there.
“Nobody responded when the Inspector called from the gate. With the assistance of neighbours, our Inspector was once again able to see the dog.”
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With no compliance and serious concerns about the dog’s welfare, the Inspectorate applied for a warrant to enter the property and remove her.
The warrant was granted. The Inspectors returned to the property and removed the dog from the conditions in which she had been living. Affectionately named Honey, she is now in the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, where her condition has been properly assessed, and she can receive the care she needs.
The team confirmed that Honey is currently receiving veterinary treatment for a severe tick-borne disease and that, sadly, her prognosis remains poor.
“Our veterinary team is doing everything they can for her and keeping her as comfortable as possible.”
Honey is now in better hands than she has probably ever experienced in her life. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA extended its appreciation to the community members who refused to look away. It was because of their concern, their reports, and even the simple act of getting food to her that Honey was saved while the necessary legal process was followed.
Her rescue just goes to show why reporting suspected cruelty and neglect matters: animals need someone to speak up for them. We are so grateful that, in her case, someone did.
Sources: Cape of Good Hope SPCA
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