A Ballito father was hospitalised after being bitten by a dog during a recent family outing at Surfer’s Lane Beach.

Glen Hermon (51), his wife and son were walking and swimming on April 19 when they encountered a man and woman walking six dogs, all off their leads. Two of the dogs were German shepherds.

Hermon said children from another family began patting one of the dogs, a labrador, which then approached his family. Moments later, one of the German shepherds charged at him.

“After stroking the labrador, we turned and began walking away,” he said.

“We must have been about 30 metres away when my wife screamed. I turned around and the dog attacked me – it just latched onto me.”

Hermon suffered two puncture wounds to his leg and was taken to Alberlito Hospital, where he received rabies and tetanus injections. He returned on Wednesday, April 23, for further treatment.

He said he was shocked by the dog owners’ response.

“They were not worried about me at all. They did not even reprimand the dog – instead, they were patting it and asking if it was okay.”

Despite being warned he could face backlash, Hermon said he felt compelled to speak out and has called for stricter enforcement of leash regulations and more signage at local beaches.

“If my story stops someone else from getting bitten, I will be happy,” he said.

Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Morné Steffens confirmed similar incidents involving off-lead dogs have been reported.

“Residents need to remember that public spaces are not their backyards and pets must be under control to keep everyone safe,” he said.

Municipal by-laws require dogs be kept on a leash in public spaces. Incidents should be documented where possible and reported to KDM Parks and Gardens on 032 437 5110.