A tiny dachshund puppy was snatched by brazen poachers in KwaZulu-Natal this week and used as live bait to lure wildlife into illegal snares.
The one-year-old dog was rescued last Saturday evening just as a group of bush pigs closed in on the makeshift wire cage she was placed in.
Now horrified pet owners who live alongside the Everton Conservancy in Kloof fear for the safety of their animals. It is believed at least two more dogs in the area are missing.
The traumatised dachshund, Jasmine, was saved by resident Shaun Daly, who heard her cries about four hours after she disappeared from her home nearby. Daly said a group of bush pigs had surrounded the dog and had to be chased off.
Small dogs are targeted because of their high-pitched cries, which attract wild animals.
It's amazing how cold some people's hearts must be. It makes you wonder how people like this there are out there.