Johannesburg — A French woman is facing widespread outrage after allegedly throwing her dog over a third-floor balcony at OR Tambo International Airport in the early hours of Friday morning, leaving the animal with severe internal injuries that ultimately led to its euthanasia. The incident, which was captured on video footage from the airport’s surveillance cameras, has shocked South Africans and animal rights organisations alike, with the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) demanding justice for the tragic event.
The woman, who had arrived in Johannesburg on a layover en route to Brazil, is reported to have been traveling with her dog, having purchased a ticket for the animal to travel as an “extra passenger.” According to NSPCA Chief Operations Officer Grace de Lange, the woman and her dog arrived at OR Tambo on Wednesday. However, it wasn’t until Friday morning at around 3:30 am that the horrifying incident occurred.
Surveillance footage from Airport Company South Africa (Acsa) shows the woman strolling through the airport’s Atrium, with her small, black dog running freely. As the dog approaches her, the woman is seen picking the animal up and callously throwing it over the balcony railing, causing the dog to fall several stories.
The shocking nature of the incident has prompted immediate condemnation. NSPCA inspectors were called to the scene, where they took the injured dog into their care. After being rushed to a nearby veterinary hospital, it was confirmed that the dog had sustained extensive internal injuries, and due to the severity of its condition, the decision was made to euthanise the animal to end its suffering.
Following the incident, National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe confirmed that the woman had been placed in a health facility for care. Mathe added that police were awaiting advice from medical experts before proceeding with taking a formal statement from the woman.
At present, investigations are ongoing, and it remains unclear whether the woman will face criminal charges related to the abuse of the animal.
“The NSPCA is appalled by the incident and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure justice is served. This act of cruelty has no place in our society,” said de Lange, emphasizing that the organization will not rest until the woman is held accountable for her actions.
The NSPCA has expressed their outrage over the incident, calling it an act of inhumane cruelty. The organisation has vowed to pursue justice for the dog, with de Lange stating that they were in communication with airport authorities and the police, and would do everything in their power to ensure the woman faces the appropriate consequences.
“We cannot allow such cruelty to go unpunished. The NSPCA will be relentless in its pursuit of justice for this innocent animal,” de Lange added.
