It was reported yesterday that a municipal lifeguard at Battery Beach in Durban was seen dragging a no swimming sign into the sea on Wednesday morning with two Jack Russels tied to it.
One of the dogs managed to get loose, but the other yelped and gasped for breath as water covered its body and washed over its head.
An eyewitness told us a French tourist ran to rescue the dog, and moved it to safety, while she confronted the lifeguard.
We have since taken up the issue with the city and eThekwini Municipality parks and recreation head, Thembinkosi Ngcobo, says they are taking the issue very seriously.
"The lifeguards, their brief basically is to ensure that all lives, including those of animals, are safe on the beach. If the allegation is true, it will be quite a serious one," he said.
He has appealed to more eye witnesses to come forward. They can contact the department on 031 311 4508/4370 and ask for Nicola.
Pressed by Newswatch about whether the lifeguard in question has been suspended pending the finalisation of the probe, he said he had not.
It is not yet clear where the dogs' owners had been, or why the animals had been tied up. The animals did leave the beach with their owner though, according to an eyewitness.