大象传媒

Are Nigerians dog lovers? Some might not think so given the widespread practice of chaining dogs to keep guard in family compounds. But the death of a pet dog during a confrontation with security guards has certainly caused public outcry about the treatment of pets in Nigeria.

When Roxie, an American bully, went missing from her compound, she was found nearby on the same estate by security guards. Roxie's owner was called but says he was prevented from taking the puppy away. He alleges the security guards shot his dog in front of him and after he left in anger, that they threw the dog's remains in a river.

Public anger has pressured police to arrest the guard who allegedly pulled the trigger. Dogs are protected under Nigerian law. Jackie Idimogu runs a dog charity called My dog & I Group in Lagos and has started the Justice for Roxie campaign. She told Newsday why:

"Roxie was a beautiful pet dog... she happened to stray out of her home in the middle of the night. The owner alerted security. Once the owner appeared the dog was shot in front of him."

The management of the housing estate says its security guards were complying with estate rules, and advised: "residents who keep dogs are again reminded to ensure they are... confined to their compound."

(Pic: Roxie; Credit: Okoli Esther)

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