The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) intervened after a man from Limpopo posted a video of himself feeding his dog takeaway chicken. Hendrick Makuya, who lives near Thohoyandou, shared clips aimed at showcasing a “soft life” and included footage of him giving his dog Bobby KFC, including bones, as a “birthday gift.”
The video quickly circulated on social media, attracting backlash from animal advocates who noted that the dog seemed underweight. Jacques Peacock, the NSPCA’s communications manager, explained that many fast foods are laden with fat, salt, sugar, and other additives that dogs cannot digest properly. He emphasized that “cooked chicken bones, often present in fried chicken, can easily splinter, posing serious risks of choking, internal injuries, or intestinal blockages.”
Peacock mentioned that the NSPCA discovered the video through their media monitoring and subsequently received a formal complaint from a concerned citizen. The issue was then referred to the nearest branch for further investigation. A senior inspector from the Louis Trichardt SPCA visited Makuya’s home to evaluate the dogs, finding one in good condition and noting that Bobby was in fair shape, having gained some weight since the video’s release.
The inspector provided Makuya with guidance on proper nutrition, vaccination, and sterilization for his pets. Immediate assistance included a donation of dog food and treats, with ongoing support contingent upon need. However, the NSPCA underscored that it is always the owner’s duty to meet their animals’ needs.
Peacock characterized the NSPCA’s actions as educational, pointing out that in many communities, pet owners often feed their animals whatever food is on hand, unaware of the potential long-term harm. “Education is a key aspect of our mission,” he stated. “The SPCA investigates every complaint we receive, regardless of its presence on social media.”
Peacock cautioned pet owners that feeding animals fatty or spicy foods can result in short-term issues like diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. He added that a long-term diet rich in such foods may lead to serious health problems, including obesity, pancreatitis, heart disease, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan.
Although Makuya did not reply to requests for comments, he posted videos on his social media showing Bobby enjoying the donated dog food. He expressed gratitude to the SPCA team, stating, “They taught me what dogs should eat. Thank you for guiding me.”
