Warning: This article contains graphic content that readers may find disturbing.
On Monday 21 November, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA was alerted to the brutal killing of three pit bulls by community members in Gatesville, Athlone.
The SPCA was informed that the dogs had attacked a young girl in a Gatesville field. The child sustained serious injuries and needed to be taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Angered by the incident, members of the community chased down the dogs and proceeded to stone, stab, and hit the animals with various objects.
They then set the dogs alight.
SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini rushed to the scene after receiving the alert, where he found the dogs still burning. Mfini extinguished the fire, but all three animals had already succumbed to their injuries.
The dogs’ bodies were taken to the SPCA premises in Grassy Park, where post-mortems are to be conducted.
“We urge the public to contact the SPCA if a dog behaves aggressively or tries to bite someone. We will take the dog immediately. People must not take matters into their own hands – no animal deserves to endure brutality and suffering,” said the SPCA’s Chief Inspector, Jaco Pieterse.
Pieterse added, “It is tragic that a child was harmed and in turn, the animals were brutally attacked. No dog should be roaming the streets. Responsible pet owners ensure their animals are kept within their properties. If your home is not adequately fenced, don’t get a dog.”
Also read:
Picture: Screenshot / Cape of Good Hope SPCA
