A python killed a family’s small dog on the eastern boundary of Seaward Estate in Ballito on the weekend.
On Sunday morning, December 28, the Specialised Rescue Unit (SRU) was called out to Seaward Estates where a python wrapped himself around a family’s eight-month-old Beagle.
On their way to the scene, the SRU contacted Neville Wolmarans from Ndlondlo Reptile Park as the snake would need to be captured and relocated safely.
“When we got there, a python was wrapped around the eight-month-old Beagle and was very defensive of its capture,” said Carmen Power from the SRU.
“Due to the size of the python a team of at least four people were needed to safely capture and contain the python with no injuries to the animal or person,” she said.
The team was assembled and an action plan was put into place.
“After a few intense minutes, the snake was captured and the puppy was retrieved. Unfortunately the poor puppy had passed away and there was nothing further anyone could do to save her,” said Power.
The SRU team assisted the family to take their pet to the vet.
“The snake will be taken to Ndlondlo Reptile Park where it will be weighed, measured, fed and released safely back into the wild,” said Power.
Joe Reeler from Seaward Estate said the dog reportedly chased a mongoose and managed to get through the palisade fence.
“The dog was outside of the boundary fence when it was unfortunately caught by the python,” said Reeler.
“We have received sightings of pythons which appear to regularly migrate between Zimbali and in particular the uninhabited section known as “Holy Hill” and the Seaward wetland areas, all of which are joined open spaces,” he said.
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