Primrose woman’s dog attacked by pit bull through gate
A Primrose resident is seeking accountability after her dog was severely injured when a pit bull attacked it through her gate. The attack left her pet traumatised and resulted in thousands in vet bills, raising concerns about responsible pet ownership.
Michelle Schoultz, a resident of Primrose, was left devastated after her dog, Enzo, was viciously attacked by a pit bull near her gate.
The incident occurred on an ordinary day when Schoultz heard a commotion outside and rushed out to find Enzo under attack.
To her shock, she discovered that a pit bull had lunged at Enzo, who had gotten his head stuck between the gate bars while still inside the yard.
“It was a normal day when I heard a commotion outside,” says Schoultz. “At first, I thought it was children playing by the gate, but then I saw this vicious dog grabbing Enzo by the head.”
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She describes the terrifying moment as she rushed to her dog’s aid.
“When I came closer, I battled to get the pit bull away from him, but it wouldn’t let go. His breathing was so shallow.”
Schoultz expressed disappointment in the dog’s owner. “A gentleman, who I’m assuming was the owner, came through. He did little to help, and the family never came to check on us or Enzo.”
The aftermath of the attack was both traumatic and costly.
“We had to take Enzo to a private vet, costing us over R7 500. He had two broken bones in his face.”
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She described her dogs as friendly, playful, and protective, but said the incident has had a lasting impact on Enzo’s behaviour.
“I’ve noticed that he doesn’t play around the gate as often. He’d rather play in the yard or stay down.”
Highlighting how gentle her dogs are, Schoultz added: “My son is nine years old, and he plays with them. That’s how friendly they are.”
“When the incident happened, we thought we were going to lose him. The attack was bloody, and he lost a lot of blood.”
Enzo has a scheduled check-up, and the family remains concerned about his well-being and the ongoing vet costs.
Schoultz said they have reported the incident by emailing the Germiston/Bedfordview SPCA.
The GCN reached out to the SPCA for insight into the case and the regulations surrounding pit bull ownership in Germiston.
Jacques Peacock, from the SPCA, emphasised the importance of responsible pet ownership, suggesting measures like keeping dogs on leashes in public, securing property gates and fencing, and installing mesh or barriers over palisade fencing.
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Regarding local ownership regulations, Peacock noted: “At present, there are no specific regulations in place governing the ownership of pit bulls in Germiston.
“However, it is essential that all dog owners, regardless of breed, care for their animals responsibly and ensure they are not a threat to other animals or people.”
“To help prevent dog attacks, sterilising pets also plays a critical role in reducing unwanted aggression, particularly in male dogs. We strongly advocate for spaying and neutering as part of responsible pet ownership.”
The SPCA’s role in dog attack cases includes conducting welfare checks on the animals involved.
“When the SPCA receives reports of a dog attack, our role is to conduct welfare checks on the animals involved.
“We verify whether the injured dog has received appropriate veterinary treatment and may intervene further if the owner is unable or unwilling to provide necessary care.”
In severe cases, the SPCA may take custody of a dog to ensure its well-being.
Regarding post-attack care, the SPCA advises: “If a dog has been attacked, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.
“After treatment, the animal should be kept in a calm, secure environment and monitored closely for signs of infection, trauma, or stress.”
They also recommend following the veterinarian’s advice for ongoing care and recovery.
The Germiston/Bedfordview SPCA continues to promote responsible pet ownership through public education and community outreach initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce incidents of aggression, improve animal welfare, and build safer communities.
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Peacock added: “It’s important to note that while the SPCA enforces the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, issues such as stray animals, dogs roaming or causing a nuisance, excessive barking, or aggression fall under the jurisdiction of the local municipality.
“In such cases, residents are encouraged to submit written complaints to the relevant municipal department. Co-ordinated complaints from multiple neighbours can often prompt a faster response.
“The SPCA does not have the authority to intervene in matters that fall outside the ambit of the Animals Protection Act, which relates specifically to human-to-animal cruelty.
“As always, our team remains committed to protecting animals from cruelty and ensuring their welfare is upheld. We thank the community for their continued support and vigilance,” said Peacock.
