A plus-sized influencer who sparked outrage by dancing in front of a starving dog has defended herself, saying the emaciated animal was not her responsibility.
Sasha Tshiamo is seen in the video showing off her curves as she dances in front of the listless hound outside her house in South Africa.
The dog is so painfully thin that its ribs are clearly visible, and it appears to struggle to stand up and move out of the sun.
The footage went viral after online commentators slammed her for enjoying herself while the animal clearly appeared to be suffering, highlighting the stark contrast between her well-fed appearance and the starving dog.
The curvy influencer's 80,000 followers urged her to give it something to eat, with one user named 'Reply Hlalele' asking: "How can you starve the dog, my sister, and be so fat yourself?"
Another, 'MyMyself&I' on X, wrote: "It's not about race or the dancing. What is disgusting is that this awful overweight woman is dancing in front of an emaciated animal. It's disgusting behaviour. Don't be so frikkin over sensitive."
Sasha Tshiamo poses in undated photo. She shared the video with the starving dog on TikTok, May 30, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@it_cant_be_sasha/CEN)
Others joined in, including 'Black Orpheus 007', who said: "What a disgrace! A hugely fat overweight woman trying to 'dance' while her dog is starved and emaciated."
But the influencer responded to the backlash by simply stating: "The dog is not mine."
And under her TikTok video, when a follower pleaded with her to feed the animal, she replied: "It's not my responsibility."
South Africa has laws protecting animals, and after the video went viral, the national Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reminded the public that animal abusers can be criminally charged and jailed under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
Picture shows dog, affectionately named Bobby, undated. The dog seen in the TikTok video was rescued. Note: Photo from NSPCA. (@nspca.rsa/CEN)
Ironically, the outpouring of anger over the dog's condition after the video was posted on 30th May led to the animal being identified by the SPCA, which has since rescued it and taken over its care.
The dog that has since been nicknamed 'Bobby' by social media users, was confirmed to be a female and appeared to have recently given birth.
The SPCA said: "Our Special Projects Unit jumped into action, and Bobby was taken in. She is now safe."
Sasha Tshiamo poses in undated photo. She shared the video with the starving dog on TikTok, May 30, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (@it_cant_be_sasha/CEN)
It added: "She is the most lovable dog, handing out kisses to everyone since the moment she arrived!
"Forced to eat plastic to survive, Bobby was found severely malnourished, suffering from fly strike, and covered in ticks and fleas.
"She's on a long road to recovery, but once healthy, she'll be sterilised and available to the loving and caring home she deserves."