The SPCA has shared another heartwarming update about Bobby,  who went from starving and neglected to now being adopted into a happy home.

The female dog made headlines after she appeared emaciated and in poor health in a video posted by a social media influencer.

Her owners, as well as the content creator, are facing charges of animal cruelty under the Animal Protection Act.

SPCA UPDATE: BOBBY IS NOW ADOPTED!

On the X platform, news was shared that Bobby had found her forever home after being adopted.

Bobby was placed for adoption last month at an SPCA branch in Boksburg. In images posted on social media, she now appears happy and healthy. From being severely malnourished and living outside in the cold, Bobby now has a garden to play in and a warm bed to sleep on.

“She is the most lovable dog, handing out kisses to everyone since the moment she arrived! Forced to eat plastic to survive, Bobby was found severely malnourished, suffering from fly strike, and covered in ticks and fleas”, the SPCA shared after rescuing her from her neglectful owners.

Meanwhile, the SPCA has noted with concern many more alarming videos of social media influencers featuring starved and abused dogs in their posts.

The SPCA shared in a post, “Online animal cruelty is rising, and you can help stop it. Every report matters. Every voice counts.” 

The animal activists shared practical advice on how to help protect animals online.

It included: 

• Don’t engage – commenting or sharing spreads the content further.
• Report it to the platform using in-app tools.
• Alert SMACC – search “SMACC Report It Hub” to submit cruelty found online.
• If filmed in South Africa, contact the SPCA via DM or email: nspca@nspca.co.za. You can also report cruelty on their website by clicking on the ‘Report Cruelty’ button.
• Send evidence – links, screenshots, usernames. 

HOW CAN THE SPCA BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO HELP ABUSED ANIMALS?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.