Influencer facing animal charges after mocking SPCA's dog rescue
The influencer whose TikTok video featured an emaciated dog is facing animal cruelty charges from the SPCA. Johannesburg content creator Sasha Tshiamo is accused of mocking the NGO's plight to rescue the animal, who has been affectionately nicknamed 'Bobby.'
This week, a starving Bobby was rescued and removed from her home by investigators after South Africans – and the SPCA – were moved by her shocking living conditions. She is now on the path to recovery.
According to reports, influencer Sasha Tshiamo has been accused of mocking the dog featured in her viral TikTok video. The content creator also made light of a national search and reward for the dog's location.
Under her posts, Sasha laughed off comments calling for 'Justice for Bobby.' She also reposted a skit from another content creator who was amused by the viral incident.
'Now, she will be facing charges in terms of the Animal Protection Act, while Bobby walked out victorious against her cruelty,' the SPCA told the media.
In a follow-up TikTok video, Sasha claimed that Bobby is not her dog, and 'not my responsibility'.
She also claimed that social media users had 'done me dirty' in their criticism of her.
The dog's owners will also face animal cruelty charges. @sashalee.tshiamo ♬ original sound – ayeecannytmalume
While TikTok claims that the dog did not belong to her and was hence not her 'responsibility,' others have claimed that this is a poor excuse.
@tashiri_g: 'This is not a defence, it's a deflection from the fact that you did not care to help or report her abuse'.
@myrnalouw: 'How can you dance while a dog is starving in the background…sies!'
@duckduckgoose: 'It doesn't have to be your dog in order for you to show human decency and kindness '. @sashalee.tshiamo
I'm not the owner please. ♬ original sound – It can't be Sasha
Meanwhile, the SPCA shared the heartbreaking story of Bobby's rescue.
In a social media post, a member of the Special Projects Unit was able to remove Bobby from her home.
The post read: 'She is the most lovable dog, handing out kisses to everyone since the moment she arrived! Forced to eat plastic to survive, Bobby was found severely malnourished, suffering from fly strike, and covered in ticks and fleas'. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by NSPCA (@nspca.rsa)
The good news is that Bobby is now in safe hands and will be well-fed.
The SPCA continued: 'She's on a long road to recovery, but once healthy, she'll be sterilised and available to the loving and caring home she deserves'. DO YOU BELIEVE THE CONTENT CREATOR DESERVED TO FACE ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES?
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