This footage shows a poor pet dog found hanging dead from its owner’s balcony after being left in the searing heat without water and it apparently tried to escape.
Images provided to Asia Wire by the Animal Protection Association of Chiayi County in south-western Taiwan show the poor pet having died while trying to squeeze through the narrow balustrade of the second-floor balcony in Zhongpu Township.
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
Video Credit: AsiaWire / APACC
APACC Chairman Wu Yu-tsai said he was alerted to the incident by a neighbour on 20th June, when temperatures in Chiayi reached 35 degrees centigrade.
By the time volunteers from the non-profit arrived, the dog had already died from suspected organ damage during its attempted escape, and blood was seen splattered on the ground below.
Local police officers, and later the owner, showed up and animal rights workers were able to gain access to the narrow balcony, which had a ceiling, but which did not stop the dog from being exposed to direct sunlight from the side.
Wu said the dog had been left alone in the searing heat without a water bowl – and the pooch’s muzzle meant it would not have been able to drink any even if there was one.
Footage shows the owner lifting his dead dog from the balcony, with images showing clear and fresh injuries to its forelegs and hind legs, which Wu believes it sustained during its final struggle to escape the balcony.
Wu has called the owner’s method of care “completely incorrect”.
The pooch has been sent to a local animal hospital where vets are to determine its precise cause of death.
The conclusion will aid the ongoing police investigation, which could see the owner charged with offences against Taiwan’s Animal Protection Act.
Offenders found guilty of abuse, negligence or abandonment causing the death of a pet face a fine of between 200,000 and 2 million TWD (5,080 and 50,810 GBP).
In a statement given to Asia Wire, PETA Asia’s media officer Keith Guo said: “Heat is extra tough for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting.
“If you wouldn’t put yourself under the sun for a whole day, please don’t put any animals through that torture.
“PETA urges authorities to punish the cruel guardian and deprive him of the right to keep any compassion animals.
“We hope everyone will keep an eye out for animals in need this summer. Turn to authorities or animal rights groups for help, and don’t leave the scene until the situation has been resolved.”
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Story By: John Feng, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report
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