The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Fiji has raised serious concerns over a disturbing video circulating online, showing a dog subjected to aggressive treatment during a supposed training programme.
The footage shows the animal tied up and repeatedly provoked with a branch while several team members observe.
“We want to assure the public that we are actively working to find out more information about this incident. We are in the process of notifying the author of the video and have engaged with the relevant authorities to launch an investigation,” said SPCA in a statement.
“No dog, no animal, deserves to be provoked and subjected to fear and pain in the name of training.”
While acknowledging that some dog training may be necessary for certain task forces, SPCA Fiji stressed that welfare must never be compromised.
“Unfortunately, Fiji has no requirement for registration of dog trainers and anyone can take on the title of ‘dog trainer’. This opens the practice to questionable methods.”
SPCA Fiji said the Protection of Animals Act 1954 explicitly defines ‘cruelty’ as ‘unreasonable, unnecessary, or unjustifiable ill-treatment..”
“Under this Act, a person found guilty of an offence of cruelty is liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both. The court may also, in addition to any other punishment, deprive the convicted person of ownership of the animal.”
The organisation called on all citizens to report abuse.
“SPCA Fiji continues to call out all acts of cruelty, regardless of the institution or persons who are inflicting these barbaric acts. We urge the public, pet owners, those using ‘guard dogs’, to call out cruel practices in dog training and contact SPCA should you have concerns.”
