Image of dog dangling from car causes a storm

The picture of a dog being dangled outside a car is not what it seems, the driver has said.

This emerged when the man was interviewed by police after a case of animal cruelty was opened on Wednesday. The driver who photographed the incident has also given a statement to police.

The incident happened in Mohammed Desai Road in Fairview, Port Elizabeth.

Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the driver went to the Walmer police station where he gave police a statement.

“It has emerged that the driver was on his way home when his children called him saying that the dogs had escaped. He saw the dogs while driving home and put them into his car‚” she said.

“While driving‚ one dog jumped out of the car window and the driver managed to grab it by the leg to stop it from landing in the road.”

The driver in the car behind managed to photograph the incident.

Police launched an investigation after the picture spread on social media on Wednesday.

Naidu said that while the two versions corresponded‚ the case – which has been finalised – would still be sent to the senior public prosecutor for a decision on whether to prosecute.

The Animal Welfare Society has condemned the incident.