Three armed men held a guard at the Tshwane SPCA’s Waltloo branch at gunpoint before stealing a male bull terrier.

Tshwane SPCA spokesman Korky Levanon said the guard had heard a noise at the kennels during the night, Beeld reported today.

“When he went to investigate, he saw three men, one of whom had a pistol.”

They reportedly threatened him with the gun and fled with Achilles, a stray bull terrier previously brought to the animal shelter by a good Samaritan.

The guard called for help on his hand radio, but by the time police arrived the men and dog had disappeared.

Levanon said the local community policing forum had been informed of the incident.

“People have stolen animals in the past, but it’s the first time that it’s been done with a gun,” Levanon said.

– Sapa