How to prevent dog attacks
"It is not the dog's fault that it is vicious or that it jumps over walls."
The Edenvale SPCA urges all pet owners to exercise caution and to take the correct steps to ensuring that their animals do not attack anyone or another animal.
This concern comes after three dog attacks occurred in Edenvale during the month of January.
Inspector Jade Nel, of the Edenvale SPCA, said two of the incidents involved dogs and humans while the third involved two dogs.
She said the three incidents took place in the space of three days.
She said one attack occurred when two Pit Bulls jumped over a wall and attacked someone on the street.
The second attack occurred when a woman was attacked by a Jack Russell Terrier that was running with its owner without a leash.
The third attack occurred when one dog jumped over a wall and attacked the neighbour’s dog.
“As a pet owner it is your duty to be responsible for your animal,” said Insp Nel.
She said when a dog attack does occur, it either occurs on municipal or private property.
She said the same procedures are followed in both instances.
“You need to report dog attacks to the metropolitan police. The SPCA may not remove an animal just because it has attacked a person or an animal,” said Insp Nel.
She said the dog will remain in the possession of the owner until the court date, or unless the owner signs the dog over to the SPCA.
“If the matter goes to the courts the magistrate will decide what happens to the dog,” said Insp Nel.
She said if an attack occurred on private property the incident can be settled out of court.
According to Insp Nel, if an attack does occur medical assistance for the person or animal should be the priority.
She said once the victim of the attack has been stabilised, it is best to get a written report from the doctor or veterinarian as well as a breakdown of the medical costs involved.
“Speak to the owner of the dog and try and find out if the dog has been vaccinated. If the dog has not been vaccinated the person receiving medical care will need to start rabies treatment immediately,” said Insp Nel.
She said the victim should keep all records of communication with the owner of the other dog as well as CCTV footage and witness reports for evidence purposes if the victim decides to recover costs through the courts.
“It is not the dog’s fault that it is vicious or that it jumps over walls. The dog owners should be responsible enough to keep their pets on the property no matter what,” said Insp Nel
She said community members need to make sure their properties are secure enough to ensure the dog remains inside so that an accident does not happen.
“If you do take your dogs off your property do not leave them unattended or unleashed. Even a friendly dog can be unpredictable,” said Insp Nel.
Inspector Nel said a few ways to ensure your dog does not attack anyone includes:
- Ensuring your property is secure enough to keep the dog inside.
- Putting your dog away if you know it does not like people or if it is aggressive to other dogs.
- Listen to the request of your guest if they ask you to lock the dog away
- Invest in higher walls if your dog can jump over shorter ones.
- Keep your dogs entertained with toys and treats, this way the amount they bark could be reduced.
