Urgent action needed against dangerous dogs

Another near-fatal incident involving a vicious dog has taken place in East London. A nine-year-old boy from Bhongweni township was mauled by a dog which had broken free from its chain. The little boy, who was left with multiple injuries, was saved by his mother and a neighbour. While it is a great relief that the boy survived, we can only imagine the kind of trauma the mother must have gone through as she wrestled with this vicious dog. In her mind, as she related to reporters, she thought her son was going to die.

Apparently it was not the first time that such an incident has happened in the Bhongweni neighbourhood, allegedly involving the same dogs breaking loose from their chains.

Community members were perturbed as they believed the police were not doing enough to deal with the matter. Luckily their outcry finally fell on listening ears and the three boerboels were removed by the SPCA.

The owner was also arrested and charged with contravening the Animal Matters Amendment Act, much to the relief of the community.

In recent months a number of dog attacks across the country have been reported. Sadly a considerable number of those has turned fatal, with mainly children being the unfortunate ones to die in the jaws of dogs.

These tragic incidents have amplified calls from organisations such as the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation for a ban on pit bulls as domestic pets in SA.

The organisation’s online petition reached almost 140,000 signatures and 790,000 views. As a result the minister of agriculture has agreed to meet the foundation to discuss the issue.

As human beings we love dogs and, in return, they love us. After all, a dog is considered “man’s best friend”.

However, we need to protect lives. For that reason the call for a ban on certain breeds known to be dangerous should be supported.

Authorities must not drag their feet on this matter. Dog attacks cause a lot of tension in communities, as we witnessed in Bhongweni, where some residents were threatening to take the law into their hands. It must never get to that point.

Whose child must lose life or limb before the government makes a decision on this matter? Some countries have banned dangerous dogs. Why is it taking so long for SA to do the same?

Other mitigating strategies such as workshops for dog owners on how to handle them responsibly should also be explored.

Dog attacks cause cause a lot of tension in communities, as we witnessed in Bhongweni , where some residents were threatening to take the law into their hands'