Publications
Cape Town - A dog that was tied up and dumped in a plastic bag next to a railway line in Helderberg would most probably have died had it not been for a saviour in the form of a retired pastor who rushed to his rescue on Monday morning.
Lourens van Wyk, 67, told News24 a man buzzed the gate at the Helderberg Apostolic Faith Mission church in the morning to tell them about a package next to the railway line, alongside Mondeor Road.
“It was raining and I went in my car down the road. I saw there was a plastic bag lying on the ground. It looked like it could have been a baby,” he said.
“I carefully tore the packet open and saw it was a dog. I was shocked. He looked very sick and his hair was falling out. I just grabbed him and chased in my car to the [veterinary] clinic.”
Van Wyk said the animal was left on a footpath, next to the railway line.
The mutt was quite warm because of the enclosed space, but sopping wet from the rain.
Mouth, legs tied with shoelaces
“I am just so glad that the dog is at the clinic. I have never seen stuff like that. We are animal people and we love dogs.”
Animal Welfare Society Helderberg general manager Julia Evans said Van Wyk came racing in and they managed to get the bag off.
“His mouth [muzzle] was tied with shoelaces as well as both his front and hind legs. They were swollen,” she said, adding that the dog was probably senior, judging by its teeth.
Trax when he had first been brought into the shelter. (Helderberg Animal Welfare Society, Facebook)
They got the circulation back into his legs and fed him food, which he gobbled up.
“Once the circulation was going, I gave him a bath and tried to clean him up a bit.”
The clinic suspected the dog might have some sort of neurological issue because of a head tic but would be monitored at the animal welfare building.
"He has been treated for mange and received an anti-inflammatory as well as being de-wormed. So far, so good. He will stay here until his mange is under control and then we will re-home him."
Evans said many people had suggested nicknames but one had stuck out for her - Trax.
To find out more about the Animal Welfare Society in Helderberg, visit their website here.
