Hangberg, Hout Bay – A Hangberg resident is seeking justice after her beloved dog, Funky, was allegedly stabbed to death while tied to a runner in his own yard, unable to defend himself. Shakeelah Moses claims her pet was brutally murdered in the early hours of Saturday, 4 April, an incident she describes as “for no reason at all.”
Moses recounts a history of distress for Funky, stemming from a problematic neighbour. She alleges that this individual had repeatedly trespassed onto her property and assaulted her dog on several occasions while he was restrained. Moses claims she had previously reported these ongoing issues, including the alleged abuse of Funky and repeated trespassing, to both SAPS Hout Bay and the SPCA, questioning whether earlier intervention could have prevented this tragic outcome.
“These people even threatened me if I should report them and what they did, but they murdered my dog, and I feel it’s not right,” Moses stated, her voice heavy with grief and a demand for accountability. She described the horrific morning of the incident, having to witness Funky being brutally stabbed, an image that will undoubtedly haunt her. “I want justice for my dog. That was not right,” she reiterated.
The Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG), based in Hout Bay, has now stepped in to assist Moses in her quest for justice. Natalie Kamieth from DARG confirmed their involvement and highlighted concerns regarding the response from local authorities. “The SPCA has confirmed that they will investigate the matter. Hout Bay SAPS are yet to even contact the perpetrator, let alone enforce the provisions of the Animals Protection Act,” Kamieth stated, pointing to a perceived lack of urgency from the police.
Kamieth further explained that Moses approached DARG in desperation, seeking to draw attention to what she described as a lack of action and growing concerns about animal cruelty in the area. DARG views this incident not as an isolated case but as part of a larger, disturbing trend. “It is not an isolated incident. This type of thing is happening daily in Hout Bay, and the local authorities continue to shelve animal abuse cases as the human element will always take preference,” Kamieth warned, suggesting a systemic issue in how animal cruelty cases are prioritised.
In a strong declaration of intent, Kamieth warned that DARG is prepared to escalate the matter if necessary. “As DARG, we intend to report SAPS Hout Bay to IPID should this matter not receive urgent attention,” she added, indicating that the organisation is ready to take action against the police for perceived inaction.
Hout Bay police have confirmed that a case has been registered regarding the incident. They stated that the docket will be investigated in conjunction with the SPCA, suggesting a collaborative approach to the inquiry. However, the community and animal welfare advocates will be closely watching to ensure that this tragic incident receives the thorough investigation and appropriate legal action it demands.
This heartbreaking event underscores the ongoing challenges faced by animal welfare organisations and concerned citizens in combating animal cruelty, particularly when allegations of prior neglect and insufficient intervention arise. The call for justice for Funky resonates deeply within a community grappling with the protection of its most vulnerable members, both human and animal.
