A dying dog's appeal for help

MARANYANE NGWANAAMOTHO
Staff Writer | Friday August 27, 2010 00:00

It suddenly dawned on me that this animal is faithful and serves humankind well never mind the fact that we have derogatory terms we align to dogs.

People often use phrases like, 'Ke ntswa fela ga a na mosola mo go nna,' meaning, he or she is just as useless as a dog and is of no use to me. Another common phrase is  'Ke tla boloaya ntswa e!' meaning I will kill this person.  It was as I was passing by University of Botswana in the evening last week when I saw just by the roadside a dog, hit by a car but still alive.

The accident had only just happened because the bleeding from its broken lower abdomen was fresh. It could barely move.

As the dog lay there fighting for its life my heart broke knowing that help would probably not arrive and it would die sooner than later especially if another driver ran over it. A few hours later I was still thinking of the dog, wished I could have stopped and helped it. Suddenly it made me realise that while I was aware that in the event of an injured human being I could always call police on 999 and an ambulance on 997, I had absolutely no idea of a number I could call to get help for the dog.

Later I was informed that I should have called Botswana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) on their emergency line 71820111 or landline 3500621.  This is an international society, which stands for animals, be they stray or injured animals. BSPCA Manager, Elma Radikonyana says that despite their lack of funds, they try and collect injured dogs should anyone call to alert them of an accident. 

'We treat and care for these dogs,' she said.  So far the society has over 160 dogs and 58 cats. However, the society is limited as they struggle to get financial assistance, and is currently operating with only one vehicle.

'The government does not help us on this matter but we believe if we could all stand together and support each other we would do a better job.  Our major challenge is lack of funds,' she says.  However, she says the council and police only help them collect dead pets along the roads.

Radikonyana says that people with pets must ensure their home is fenced and there are no escape routes that a dog can take advantage of.  'It is the responsibility of the owners to ensure that the pet will not leave the home and get lost,' she says. 

However, one can face a P50.00 fine or a six months jail term for intentionally injuring a dog, or pouring it with hot water or oil, or killing it, Radikonyana revealed.

But who exactly should be blamed for stray pets? I personally think if one cannot care for a pet he or she should not get one in the first place.   As far as I understand, pets are to be kept at home, fed and given affection. I guess that is why I cannot keep a pet myself because I know I would not be able to pick it up, rub it or even wash it.