A pit bull that has allegedly been terrorising the Garden Village community has reportedly killed two puppies and attacked two people in the last number of months – the final straw that prompted neighbours to draw up a petition in their quest to have the courts approve the confiscation of the canine.
“We live in fear, our children are unsafe and we are scared to walk in the street,” said Heath Street resident Joslyn Gertze.
Tanya Anthony, another resident, said the community does not know where to turn for assistance. “We’ve pleaded with the owner to give the dog away, or at least remove it from this area, but nothing is being done,” she claimed.
Neighbours recorded video footage of the dog attacking and killing a puppy in November last year. The video depicts residents screaming in fear at a pit bull noticeably out of control. The puppy later died due to injuries sustained in the attack and another puppy was apparetntly attacked shortly after.
Since then, residents have drawn up a petition with 50 signatures and staged a mini protest along the street before handing over a statement of their concerns to officers of the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement, who visited the neighbourhood and even spoke to the dog’s owner.
Law Enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason confirmed officers of the Animal Control Unit attended to the complaint. “Officers issued a pre-impoundment notice to the dog owner,” he said.
“This means that the relevant statements and documentation will be processed and forwarded to the relevant court, where the court will determine whether the dog must be impounded. This was communicated to the complainant by the officers.”
He did not elaborate on exactly when the process would be concluded nor what interim measures were in place to safeguard the community.
When contacted the dog’s owner said a loving home had been found for the dog, and that it would be moving away soon. “Only one puppy was attacked as the other was a sickly dog, which provoked the pit bull. We have the report that the other dog died of natural causes, and wasn’t killed by the pit bull. None of the other allegations are true; if you ask me it’s just jealousy.”
Clare Travers of the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) Helderberg, who was also called to assess the situation by neighbours, said the organisation does not have the authority to intervene in such a case.
“If there were signs of neglect of the pit bull, such as its not being fed or it was sickly, then we can step in,” she said. “The route of Law Enforcement was the correct one to follow.”
Every incident must be reported to ensure no case is overlooked, as an attack can happen in an instant, Travers added.
“People need to consolidate their responsibility as pit bull owners. It’s an active and energetic breed, and requires a lot of training and socialising, so ensure you have enough space in your yard, high walls and exercise the dog responsibly. “Unfortunately, in many communities the ownership of a pit bull comes with a degree of status and many want their pit bulls to be aggressive, for whatever reason.”
Travers further stressed the importance of research on the part of the owner before acquiring a pit bull, and to ensure they have the knowledge and resources to look after the breed responsibly. “Know what you are taking on, understand what you need to do and the person you need to be to look after a pit bull,” she said.
