What was meant to be a normal trip to Lonehill Shopping Centre turned into a frightening ordeal for Mpho Lethoane, when he was attacked by four dogs.

He said the dogs suddenly became aggressive and injured his leg. “I was scared because there were four of them. I didn’t know what they were going to do or whether they would stop,” said Lethoane.

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Lethoane said the attack left him traumatised, particularly because he was simply walking to the shops when he found himself surrounded by the animals. “It was traumatising. You don’t expect to be attacked by dogs when you’re simply walking to the shops. Another thing, it happened in broad daylight.”

As the dogs became increasingly aggressive, a passing motorist stopped to help. The good Samaritan got out of his car and chased the dogs away, allowing Lethoane to escape. “I was relieved because I really needed help at that moment. It could have been worse,” Lethoane said. He later went to a clinic to have his leg injury treated.

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He said he tried to establish where the dogs came from and who their owner was, but was unable to locate anyone, therefore does not know whether he can open a case or report the incident to the SPCA because he has no information about the dogs’ owner.

The incident also left him concerned about other people using the park, particularly children who may not know how to respond when confronted by aggressive dogs. He appealed to dog owners to take responsibility for their animals and ensure they are kept under control in public spaces. “Dog owners need to understand that they have a responsibility. Please keep your dogs on a leash because you don’t know who they might attack.”

The consequences could be even worse if the dogs attacked a child. “What if it was a child walking there? A child might not be able to defend themselves or get away from four dogs.”

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