A stray dog in Gauteng, South Africa, was saved by local law enforcement after becoming stranded on the edge of a bridge.
According to Sunny Skyz, drivers reported the situation. One posted to Facebook stating, “If anyone passes the BP onto the N21 there is a brown puppy lying on the edge near the Gaurtrain bridge. We were not able to stop and see what was going on but if someone sees him/her I am not sure if the puppy is injured or needs help.”
On Monday, the Pit Bull Sanctuary of South Africa gave an update on Facebook noting, “The dog is safe and safely at someone’s home.”
“A big shout out to these traffic officers for going above and beyond to rescue this dog,” the sanctuary officials said.
“Humanity. Compassion. Empathy. Yes, the dog was a risk to traffic. BUT these officers could have said, ‘No way am I risking myself,’ and could have resorted to trying to chase the dog off. But they didn’t,” they added.
Sanctuary officials then asked for the officers involved to be tagged so they could be celebrated for helping.
The comments were full of praise with individuals calling the officers “heroes.”
Local South African News 24 outlet reported in 2021 that stray issues were increasing and that an estimated 90% of strays have no identification.
A movement connecting teenagers with caring for stray dogs has not only helped curb issues created by the feral population, it has given teens in dangerous gang-ridden areas the opportunity to care for someone else and stay out of trouble, per All Things Canid.
To further combat the stray dog situation in South Africa, the Street Tails Foundation also works to support rescues and rehoming efforts to ensure that the canine population is properly cared for.