11 pit bulls surrendered to Benoni SPCA
Pit Bull Federation of South Africa said these attacks could have been prevented only if law enforcement played it's role
Several pit bull owners have voluntarily surrendered their dogs to the Benoni SPCA over the past month.
This follows recent pitbull attacks, which caused an uproar in communities.
According to Benoni SPCA manager Darryn Potgieter, 11 pit bull terriers have been surrendered to the Benoni SPCA.
“Most of the surrendered dogs were friendly towards humans but not friendly towards other dogs.
“One of the dogs was surrendered because the owner had to move and could no longer look after her,” said Potgieter.
The Benoni City Times posed several questions regarding the call to surrender pit bull terriers to SPCAs.
NSPCA senior inspector Nazareth Appalsamy said some of the pet owners who surrendered their dogs were relieved, while others were saddened.
“We believe some became aware that they did not have a responsible facility to keep such an animal,” he said.
Upon asking what will happen to the surrendered animals, Appalsamy said the NSPCA is a pro-life organisation where each animal that enters the SPCA is evaluated by a competent person.
“However, the SPCA does not rehome animals that show aggression. Unlike ‘slow kill’ shelters, the SPCA does euthanise animals, however, every animal fit for adoption is given an opportunity,” he said.
Other SPCAs across the country have also received an influx of unwanted dogs, which the NSPCA says is putting additional pressure on SPCAs.
The society said that communities have taken matters into their own hands as more animals are being poisoned, stabbed, beaten and set alight.
“Not only have people been suffering from dog attacks, but other animals have also been victims and have been mauled to death.
“The aggressive animals themselves have also been subjected to extreme abuse and cruelty in the manner in which they are kept, trained and even killed,” the NSPCA said in a statement.
According to a statement released by the Pit Bull Federation of South Africa, these attacks could have all been prevented had the law enforcement, municipalities and courts enforced already existing laws, namely the Animals Matters Amendment Act, the Animals Protection Act and the various bylaws.
“We are seeing these tragedies not because we have a dog problem but because we have a lack of accountability problem.
“We have repeatedly questioned why negligent owners are not prosecuted for their dogs’ actions as the law holds them squarely responsible for their dog’s actions,” the organisation said.
The NSPCA urges all owners who no longer wish to keep their dogs to take them to their local SPCA, animal welfare shelter or a private veterinarian.
“If you are in possession of an aggressive animal, by law, you are compelled to ensure that the animal is kept within the confines of your property and in a manner that meets the needs of the animals in terms of the Animals Protection Act and the Five Freedoms,” the NSPCA said.
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