A 68-year-old woman, Jean Grieves, was attacked by two pit bulls while trying to protect her dog, Winston, during their morning walk on July 17, reports Alberton Record.

Jean said she and Winston left their home in Kalkoentjie Road, Alberton for their regular walk through the neighbourhood.

They walked along Lilly Road, Vermooten Street, and then Lotus Street, where Winston always enjoyed visiting the rabbits, before continuing through Harlequin Street, Felicia Street and Columbine Avenue.

They would usually stop at Adelicious Coffee and Treat so Winston could greet the people he had come to know over the years. However, on that morning Winston led Jean into Candlewood Street near the corner of Vermooten Street instead.

A routine walk turns tragic

“I noticed a white vehicle parked on the left-hand side of the road and an open gate at a nearby property. I was watching the gate when I suddenly saw a black pit bull rushing towards us. I picked Winston up in my arms, but the dog jumped at me and attacked us.

“It pulled Winston out of my arms and another brown pit bull came running. They both attacked him, pulled him out of his harness and dragged him into the yard. I stood there screaming because there was nothing I could do to save my little boy,” she said.

Jean said staff from the property ran outside carrying a broom and tried to stop the attack while nearby residents came out of their homes after hearing her screams.

A woman who had witnessed the incident stopped to help Jean.

“I was in complete shock and couldn’t even remember my husband’s or my son’s cellphone numbers. This kind lady offered to drive me home. I don’t know her name or where she is from, but I will always be grateful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me on the worst day of my life,” she said.

When Jean arrived home, she placed Winston’s harness and lead on the kitchen counter before telling her husband and son that Winston had been killed.

The family returned to the property with the woman who had helped Jean. According to the family, blood was visible on the driveway and grass, and part of the area had already been washed down.

“My son asked where Winston was, and we were told he had been put in a dustbin. Seeing him lying in a plastic bag broke my heart. My son took him out, and we wrapped him in a towel before taking him away,” she said.

Jean suffered bruises to her hand and leg after the black pit bull jumped on her while trying to save her dog.

Investigation and outcome

The family immediately reported the incident to the SAPS and then took Winston to Dr Kevin Azzie at Meyersdal Veterinary Clinic, where a post-mortem examination was conducted before he was cremated.
Jean thanked Dr Azzie and his staff for the compassion and professionalism they showed during such a difficult time.

The family also reported the incident to the SPCA and EMPD and later consulted a lawyer, who advised them to obtain a case number to assist with the investigation.

After providing the case number to the SPCA, the family said they were later informed that the owners had permitted the humane euthanasia of the two pit bulls involved in the attack.

They were also informed that this was not the first reported incident involving the dogs.

“The SPCA, SAPS and EMPD kept us informed throughout the process. I want to thank the SPCA staff for the kindness, professionalism and support they gave us during this traumatic time,” said her husband, Colin Grieves.

Although devastated by Winston’s loss, the Grieves family has chosen to honour his memory by giving back to the organisation that supported them.

“In Winston’s memory, we have decided to sponsor five kennels at the SPCA every month to say thank you for everything they did for us and for the care they give to animals every day,” said their son Lee Grieves.

The family is also having a memorial plaque made in Winston’s honour.

Jean hopes sharing her experience will encourage responsible pet ownership and prevent another family from going through the same heartbreak.

“I want people to be vigilant when walking, running or cycling with their families and pets. Please make sure your dogs are safely secured inside your property and be careful when opening your gates if people are walking past. One ordinary morning changed our lives forever,” she said.

The Grieves family hopes sharing their story will raise awareness about responsible pet ownership and help prevent similar tragedies.

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