An outing to Gordon’s Bay Beach turned into a nightmare for a pet owner whose beloved four-legged furry companion was allegedly mauled to death by a pit bull.
Merle du Plessis was mourning the tragic loss of Bella, her 10-year-old miniature Yorkshire terrier that was killed in the attack last Thursday (20 January). Messages of condolences to the 58-year-old Durbanville resident poured in via social media after details of the heart wrenching incident was shared across various online platforms.
Du Plessis’ daughter Natanya Mostert said the incident occurred on the beach in the vicinity of a painted mural featuring penguins, close to Spur, between 11:45 and 13:00 on Thursday. She said the pair were out on a leisurely stroll and to experience the local beach as her mother, who is not from the area, was visiting her sister and wanted to see it.
“I was not there, but from other people’s reports we gathered two very young dog owners (one probably 8 or 9 and the other 17 or 18 with dreadlocks), when passing, suddenly let go of their brown pit bull (he was on a leash) and it went for Bella.
“They encouraged the fight and told their dog to rip Bella’s head off. They made no attempt to get their dog off Bella, even though my mother was trying her best.”
According to Natanya, her mom had several scratches and bruises from attempting to fight the pitbull off. It destroyed Bella’s body and almost ripped it in two.
“The pit bull owners laughed in my mother’s face. Others around my mother came to help, especially two young guys whom we are desperately trying to get hold of to extend our gratitude. They drove my mother and Bella to the vet and stayed with them until the ambulance arrived for my mother. They are our heroes and we really want to thank them in person.”
Despite efforts, no comment could be gained from Cottage Vet Clinic, where the injured dog was transported, before the newspaper’s print deadline.
Julia Evans, manager of the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) Helderberg, said her team immediately responded to the incident after an emergency call was received. However, by the time they drove around the block to the scene, the pit bull and its owner were nowhere to be found, she said. “We remain vigilant, and should we spot the perpetrator he will be apprehended until Law Enforcement is called into action,” Evans added.
She said that the AWS fields calls and responds to many attacks, especially in Strand communities where pit bulls are rife and shred other dogs, even other pit bulls.
Natanya said her mother is completely devastated by the loss as Bella was her life.
“She was not a dog or just a fur child, but her therapy dog and her everything,” she said. “She immediately tried to pull Bella up, but the pit bull’s jaws were locked around Bella’s body and too strong for my mother. However, she did not let go of Bella until the very end.
“She is absolutely distraught. She was taken to the closest Mediclinic, where staff literally had to strap her down and sedate her. Witnesses have described the scene as something they had never seen before. She is receiving counselling from her therapist, but she is not sleeping, eating or talking. She keeps telling us she would rather die than live without Bella.”
In providing insight, Natanya explained that Du Plessis got Bella when she was diagnosed with severe and several brain tumours in 2012. Bella soon became a lifeline for Du Plessis, who also suffered from major depression and accompanying illnesses. The feisty and loveable companion accompanied her to all her doctor’s appointments and even church.
Natanya added their beloved Bella will always be remembered as part of the family. “She was the most loving and caring dog I have ever met in my life and the definition of innocence. Bella’s legacy will live on and she will never be forgotten.”
In honour of Bella, the family are hoping for approval by relevant authorities to have a bench installed at the beach close to the spot where the tragedy occurred.
