NEGLIGENT dog owners who let their pets roam the streets, putting the lives of their neighbours at risk, can be charged in terms of the City’s by-laws and be fined.

This has come into focus following a deadly dog attack in New Germany last week.

The spokesperson of the Durban Metro Police, Colonel Victor Zungu, said in terms of section 5(1) read with section 23 of the Animal Nuisance by-laws of 2015, such negligence could result in a charge against or fine imposed on a negligent dog owner.

The fine, Zungu said, could amount to R1000 for failure to confine an animal (dog) inside a premises.

“According to the SPCA, no owner should have a dog on a premises if the place is not either walled or secure. In such instances, an inspector from the SPCA is contacted and the dog will be removed. They also can issue a fine,” said Zungu.

He added that in cases of dog attacks, the victim has the right to open a case of Assault GBH, and where a death occurred, a case of culpable homicide will be investigated.

Victims, he said, can also impose a civil liability claim against the dog owners.

Also read: Community saddened by deadly dog attack in New Germany

The manager at Kloof and Highway SPCA, Barbara Patrick, highlighted that it is against the law for dog owners to allow their pets out of their property without supervision.

“Your pet needs to be in your control, care and custody at all times. Should your dog be out of your property and attack, bite a person, a case would need to be opened at the Metro Police, with the evidence, and the court will decide on action to be taken,” said Patrick.

Asked whether the threat to humans increases when dogs are in oestrus, and what should the owners of these pets do when they are in season, Patrick pointed to the by-laws which stipulate that during this period “no female dog may be kept on your property” and “the dog should be sterilised or confined”.

“Sadly, the problem of dogs being on the street needs to be addressed with the Metro Police, as this should not be the norm.

“It is extremely difficult to give advice as to how to prevent a dog attack, bite as there are so many different scenarios. If dogs are not on the streets, and confined safely in their properties, this should not happen,” said Patrick.

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