Dog Abuse Case Sparked by TikTok Video Goes to Trial

A viral TikTok video has led to a high-profile animal cruelty case that will soon be in court. Elliot Tshigo, a former owner of a rescued dog named Bobby, faces charges of animal cruelty after social media influencer Tshiamo Sasha Kgasago posted a video revealing the dog’s severe malnutrition. Kgasago, who has over 260,000 followers on TikTok, inadvertently captured Bobby, a rescue dog, in the background of her dance video, showing the emaciated condition of the animal. This sparked outrage online, with people demanding the dog be rescued and Kgasago’s accounts suspended. Despite initially claiming the dog wasn’t hers, Kgasago later faced backlash after mocking the situation, leading to hundreds of people contacting animal welfare authorities. Bobby was eventually rescued by the NSPCA, which discovered she was covered in ticks, fleas, and suffering from malnutrition. The case has now been set for trial in June 2026, with Tshigo expected to plead not guilty. Bobby has since recovered, receiving medical care, gaining weight, and being rehomed. The NSPCA will continue to monitor the case and provide testimony at the trial.