Domestic Animal Rescue Group denies links to viral dog cruelty video
Animal welfare organisation, Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG), has denied any link to dogs shown in a viral cruelty video circulating on social media.
Image: SPCA
The Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG) has distanced itself from a viral social media video that allegedly depicts cruelty and neglect towards dogs, asserting that none of the animals featured were affiliated with the organisation or adopted from its shelter.
The footage, which spread rapidly on TikTok and other platforms on Friday, has ignited outrage among animal advocates and prompted demands for immediate action against the individuals involved.
The video, which has drawn a strong reaction online, allegedly shows dogs being kept in severe neglect in the Philippi area.
DARG said some members of the public had incorrectly linked the dogs in the footage to the rescue group through comments posted online.
"It has come to our attention that a video depicting severe animal cruelty and neglect is currently being circulated on various social media platforms, including TikTok," the organisation said.
"On TikTok comment feeds, members of the public have alleged that the dogs depicted belong to DARG."
The organisation strongly rejected those claims and said none of the animals shown had any connection to it.
"Both the SPCA and DARG confirm that none of the dogs depicted in the video were adopted from DARG, nor do they belong to, or originate from, DARG."
The organisation said false claims circulating online had caused confusion and damaged its reputation as a rescue organisation.
The group said it would take steps to defend its reputation while continuing its rescue and welfare work.
"Accordingly, DARG will take the necessary steps to protect its interests, as well as the welfare of the animals in its care."
DARG added that the video related to a separate cruelty case in Philippi.
"The video depicts severe abuse and neglect of dogs in the Philippi area."
The organisation also called for the strongest legal consequences available under the law.
The latest case comes amid growing concern over incidents of animal cruelty across Cape Town and the wider Western Cape, with welfare groups regularly responding to reports of abuse, starvation, overcrowding, and neglect.
It also follows another recent case in Grassy Park, where a woman was reportedly charged after dogs were allegedly found in cages under poor conditions.
Animal welfare organisations have repeatedly called for harsher penalties and stronger enforcement in cruelty cases, arguing that abuse against animals often continues because offenders believe they will face limited consequences.