A CHARGE of cruelty against animals was laid by the SPCA against two men from Katutura. One being the owner of a six month old mixed breed dog and the other a so-called 'dog healer' who cut off both ears of the puppy.

The owner, who resides in Independence Avenue in Katutura, called the City Police saying that he had a sick dog who needed to be put down. When the police arrived they found the puppy in agony with both ears cut off. They rushed the animal to the SPCA who in turn rushed it to the Windhoek Animal Hospital - but all was in vain as the puppy died on the way to the veterinarian.

It is popular belief that a sick dogs need to be bled for the ghost inside to leave and so that it will be healed. The dog most probably had tick-bite fever, which thins the blood and caused him to bleed to death. The SPCA has often received strays whose ears were cut off but they were lucky and survived.

The ears of dogs are also cut to make them bleed if they are introduced into a new home. This bleeding, according to belief and superstition, makes the dog used to his new home and the people he needs to protect.

Another superstition concerns the cutting out of the snake or worm from a puppy that does not want to eat by removing a small muscle from under the tongue. Once this is done it is believed the dog would eat again. In reality, the muscle removal means that the dog cannot eat or drink any more as it cannot use the tongue properly. In the end the dog dies a horrific death due to starvation and dehydration.

Superstitions like these do not only kill pets, but they also cause huge pain and suffering to the animal.

Tick bite fever is a relatively simple illness that can be easily healed. Pet owners are urged to take their sick animals to a veterinarian or to the SPCA for help. Often a simple course of tablets is the answer and the SPCA helps people who cannot afford a veterinarian.

People who hear an animal screaming or who are aware of any cruelty can phone the SPCA at 081 124 4520. People who have a sick animal are also welcome to contact them at the above-mentioned number.