Bored, frustrated and violent

Living in Ballito for 21 years, I have heard two different arguments repeated over and over again: the first being that “Ballito isn’t a pet-friendly place” and the second being that Ballito is pet-friendly, but people just don’t know how to look after their pets properly.
I have never really been one to take part in these arguments. My family has always had pets and they have always been treated and looked after incredibly well. We have never fallen into the category of being people who don’t know how to look after pets, and we’ve never really been bothered by the area we live in as we have always ensured that our pets are exercised, have room to run about safely and are overwhelmed with love.
However, I am now going to be one of those people who does take part in these arguments. To the woman in Patricia Road with three Weimaraners, please take note of what I am about to say.
Weimaraners, being German hunting dogs that grow to the size of a German Shepherd that require an incredible amount of exercise, attention and training, should not be living in your driveway. They’re bored, frustrated and violent.
This is not typical Weimaraner behaviour! I know, because we own a Weimaraner, Buddy,  a gentle, friendly, cuddly, happy and lively dog. I also know that your dogs are bored, frustrated and violent because of the damage that they caused to our little black spaniel, Reggie, last week.
Over 25 stitches, two drains and R2 000 later, Reggie is back at the vet being treated for infection and new stitching. All thanks to your three dogs which ran out of their open gate without leads on and grabbed our pup while she was walking with my mom.
It is an understatement when I say that I am furious! Although the damage Reggie suffered is terrible, the truth is, it could have been so much worse. I am just grateful for the fact that Buddy was able to slip out of his collar and hide, and that my mother was strong enough to save Reggie.
But what if she hadn’t been? What if Buddy had fought back, what if Reggie had died or my mom had been bitten? Or what if your dogs had attacked the elderly gentleman who walks up and down Elizabeth with his tiny toy pom?
I understand that you have already been spoken to about your dogs, prior to this incident. Maybe it’s about time you do something?
ALEXANDRA NORRIS-JONES
Ballito