In the wake of a recent escalation of dog attacks as well as the attack of three pit bulls in Athlone this week, the City of Cape Town and the Cape Animal Welfare Forum (CAWF) are calling for changes to national legislation to regulate power breeds.
Also read: Warning: Graphic video and images of pit bulls brutally attacked and set alight in Cape Town
The City, CAWF and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Inspectorate have arranged an urgent meeting to discuss amendments to the Animal Keeping By-Law to incorporate a stricter duty of care on pet owners and regulations regarding the keeping of dangerous animals.
City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said yesterday that the debate about a possible ban on pit bulls has been raging for months, adding that the City’s position is that no animal is inherently dangerous or violent.
However, Smith added that the problem came in terms of how the dogs were bred and raised and was also not isolated to pit bulls.
“The incident in Athlone this week where members of the community killed three pitbulls following an attack on a child has to be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said. “Firstly, animal owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dogs do not pose a threat to anyone and are kept within their properties, but it is also illegal to harm or torture an animal.”
“If anyone has concerns about a dangerous animal, they must report it to the SPCA or Law Enforcement so that urgent action can be taken.”
“We cannot have a situation where people take the law into their own hands in this manner.”
Smith added that the Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit was investigating the attack of the young girl.
Meanwhile, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA is currently investigating the brutal killing of the three dogs by the community.
“Dogs need proper socialisation and training,” said Cape Animal Welfare Forum Chairperson, Karen De Klerk. Where a dog is kept in a confined space all day, and not given sufficient exercise or social interaction with other dogs and people, it increases the risk that the animal will be aggressive and potentially pose a danger to others.”
“Animal ownership is a massive responsibility, and we encourage the public to do thorough research before acquiring a dog.”
“Should your dog exhibit any signs of aggression, please do consider surrendering the animal to the animal welfare sector.”
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Picture: Supplied