A chocolate Labrador retriever named Achi, a registered guide dog, was spared being euthanized this week after the South Africa minister of agriculture, John Steenhuisan, ordered tests proving the dog was healthy.
The dog and his humans had been on a 52 foot yacht enjoying a day at sea on South Africa’s east coast when the weather turned awful. Gale force winds prompted the 20 foot swells flooding the boat’s engine; forcing a Swiss man, his German daughter and their chocolate Labrador off the Eastern Cape three weeks ago to contact the National Sea Institute who arrived in time to save the family and their dog.
The family had been forced to abandon their boat after the towline snapped twice and were only able to salvage a few personal belongings. Fortunately, they all arrived at shore uninjured.
Now one would think this would have been a happy celebration that everyone survived without injuries, but while enjoying their good fortune, the government officials arrived to tell them Achi was slated to be euthanized because he had entered the country without the required paperwork and could be a carrier of diseases.
South African citizens soon heard about the dog’s fate, declaring the decision as both “crazy” and “inhumane.” Social media erupted with outspoken indignation at the very thought of killing the dog because of an accidental boat crisis and subsequent wreck.
In a desperate attempt to spare Achi’s life the Swiss consulate in Cape Town wrote to the government asking them to reconsider the dog’s fate and being given the chance to prove he was indeed healthy.
Achi had been in the care of Dr. Peter Wood at the privately owned Nahoon Veterinary Clinic in East London, where he had been in quarantine since August 2nd. He has since been moved to a state facility in Cape Town and will be kept in quarantine “until all necessary tests are done.” It is not clear how long the tests will take, but once Achi gets the all clear “he can be reunited with his family.”
It is truly a testament to humanity that reasonable conclusions can be agreed upon with mutual respect and understanding.
Long live Achi.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
