Stabbed Biggy continues to wag his tail
Loyal dog has a lesson for humans – suffers multiple wounds in vicious knifing attack but still ‘manages a smile’
HUMANS can learn a lot from Biggy, a dog that was stabbed multiple times in Khayelitsha, but still managed to smile.
These were the words of Tamsin Nel, founder and director of the SA Mass Sterilisation Trust (SA Mast), after the organisation treated Biggy for multiple stab wounds.
“Our initial investigation into the matter reveals that in the quiet hours of the morning a stranger stabbed Biggy. But we don’t think it’s just a random act of horror and mutilation.
“We think there was a purpose – to disable the dog first and then return to the property later to rob the house without the alarm being raised or running the risk of being attacked by the dog.
“He (Biggy) is quite phenomenal despite the horror he endured. He is living in the moment and allowing us to shower him with love and care.”
Nel said the incident had been reported to the inspectorate and they would send their report to help with their investigation.
She said they were concerned about the number of recent stabbings. “It’s not isolated. We are seeing more and more stabbings and suspect there is a motive; that it’s not just senseless acts of violence.
“What we are hearing from the AUTHORITIES have cautioned the public against harassing an elephant seal on Fish Hoek beach.
The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) and the City of Cape Town said they had received reports about the harassment of an elephant seal currently hauling out on Fish Hoek South beach.
They say it is in its moulting period which means the seal will be ashore for a few more weeks.
The seals are generally very friendly in the water but can be extremely dangerous when they feel uneasy or cornered.
The authorities have warned that while this particular seal seemed to be relaxed, it is a wild animal that can inflict a serious bite and its behaviour is unpredictable.
Moulting is a process by which the southern elephant seal sheds all of its pelage and underlying epidermis. This annual process can take up to a month to fully complete. During the moult, southern elephant seals remain on land.
The process of moulting renders them sensitive to changing temperature, therefore they avoid the water. During this period the seals generally do not feed as they sustain themselves through the fat storage called blubber.
Spatial planning and environment mayoral committee member Marian Nieuwoudt said: “We urge that parents also ensure that their children are kept under close supervision and don’t go within 10m of the animal. Beach goers who plan to walk their dogs should keep them on a leash at all times within 50m of the animal.
“We ask that you please do not attempt to feed the seal, throw water on it or create any other unnecessary disturbance within close proximity to the animal.
“Taking selfies, in particular with your back turned to the animal and within close proximity, is strictly prohibited. These seals can also move deceptively fast when on the beach and are extremely dangerous when they feel uneasy or cornered.”
Taking selfies, in particular with your back turned to the animal and within close proximity, is strictly prohibited
Marian Nieuwoudt
Mayco member, spatial planning & environment