Dog rescued after being tossed into estuary with heavy weight

A dog is recovering after a shocking attempted drowning in St Lucia, where it was allegedly thrown off a bridge with a heavy weight tied around its neck. The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) said a man has been arrested and charged following the incident, which unfolded on March 13 at the Siyabonga Tourism Centre. According to the NSPCA, a witness saw a man holding a brown dog by a rope, kicking it before throwing it into the St Lucia Estuary below.

“A boat operator at the Siyabonga Jetty subsequently found the dog struggling to swim in the estuary,” the NSPCA said. The rescuer managed to pull the animal to safety and removed the heavy weight tied around its neck, likely saving its life. The dog, subsequently named Siyabonga, was later taken in by a member of the public and transported for veterinary care.

A clinical examination revealed the extent of its suffering. “The clinical examination confirmed physical injuries consistent with an impact to the head, as well as evidence of neglect, including a heavy parasite infestation, malnourishment, and behavioural signs consistent with prior trauma,” the NSPCA said. Investigators traced a vehicle linked to the incident to a suspect in the Mtubatuba area. During a joint visit with police, the man allegedly admitted to throwing the dog off the bridge, claiming it had killed his chickens.