A peaceful afternoon walk in a Somerset West park ended in tragedy after a local pensioner’s 7 kg pet dog – a wire hair and sausage dog mix – died following a violent attack by an off-leash dog, prompting an investigation by municpal Law Enforcement.

The incident occurred near Dummer Street around 17:30 on Friday 31 July. According to the devastated complainant, her small dog was sitting quietly at her feet, not even moving, when a large pitbull mix, estimated to weigh around 40 kg, launched an unprovoked attack.

Although the owner managed to separate the animals, the small dog suffered extensive bite wounds and severe hematomas where the pitbull mix had grabbed him.

What followed was a harrowing multi-day medical ordeal. After her pet cried in severe pain throughout the night of 31 July the owner rushed him to Strand Animal Hospital early the next morning, where it was administered morphine. Hours later, as the dog began hyperventilating and crying in agony, he was taken to a local veterinary clinic where emergency surgery was performed to insert a Penrose drain to treat deep hematomas.

Despite daily injections and continuous care, the small dog’s suffering escalated. At 00:30 on Wednesday 5 August, he was rushed to an emergency vet due to severe neck and spine pain, and given additional medication. By 09:30 on Sunday 9 August, his condition had deteriorated further, requiring an emergency admission to a vet clinic, where the dog was placed on life support machines but tragically died from sepsis last Monday evening (10 August). He was buried in his owner’s garden.

Formal investigation

The aggrieved owner expressed deep pain over the complete lack of remorse shown by the owners of the attacking dog, who allegedly blamed the small dog for the incident. They have also allegely refused to apologise or contact the woman.

This prompted her to contact the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement, who confirmed a formal investigation is underway to prosecute the owner of the off-leash dog.

“An officer interviewed the complainant and determined that there had been a transgression of the Animal Keeping Bylaw and therefore grounds to formulate a docket for prosecution,” said Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for Law Enforcement.

He noted the investigating officer was finalising outstanding documentation to complete the docket.

The incident falls under section 7 of the City’s Animal Keeping Bylaw, which governs animal control and public safety. Under Section 7(1), no person may, through negligence, fail to prevent an animal from attacking, worrying or frightening any other person or animal.

Control measures against owners

Law Enforcement can enforce severe penalties against owners who fail to control aggressive animals in public spaces, including issuing compliance notices as a corrective warning for minor or first-time infractions, or issuing Section 56 fines as direct monetary penalties to non-compliant pet owners.

Formal prosecution can follow with the compilation of a court docket to pursue formal criminal charges, which can include a court application to remove the aggressive animal from the owner’s care permanently.

To ensure justice can be pursued under municipal bylaws, Law Enforcement outlines specific protocol steps for pet owners facing similar incidents, which urges urgent medical or emergency veterinary attention for injured humans or animals as a first step.

Next is to secure the full names, physical addresses and phone numbers of all involved parties and eyewitnesses, and keep detailed veterinary reports, medical invoices, and high-clearance photos of all injuries.

Also take photographs of the aggressive animal to verify its breed, size and markings.

City officials urge all dog owners to act responsibly and keep their pets properly secured in public spaces to protect the community and prevent further heartbreaking losses.

To log an official complaint contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 to route the case to Animal Control. If human injuries are sustained, report the case directly to the police under the Animal Matters Amendment Act.