Residents fearful of ‘savage’ dogs (WARNING: Graphic content)

A beloved family pet was killed by a so-called savage dog last week.

And while one family mourns their loss, the sparks are flying between the SPCA and the alleged owner of the savage dog, one of many animals said to be terrorising the neighbourhood.

The SPCA responded to a call last week on Thursday, purely because of the animal welfare aspect.

When inspector, Elize van Rooyen arrived at the scene, she and responding SAPS members were faced with an aggressive dog desperate to evade capture, going as far as to scale a precast boundary wall and snapping at anyone who was close.

Mrs van Rooyen said when she attempted to ensnare the dog with the long pole, he went for her.

According to others residing on McIntosh Avenue, pedestrians have taken to a longer route to avoid the aggressive dogs, and children claim they are scared to play outside.

“There are seven or eight dogs in the yard. I have lived here for more than 20 years and it has been going on for a while.”

This is, however, the first time another dog has been killed.

Distraught owner, Simphiwe Tshabalala, recalled with sadness the times he had shared with his beloved Danger, pointing out the pots he used to cook bones in.

He dreaded having to break the news to his daughter, who returned from college this week.

A neighbour, who spoke anonymously, said many of his chickens have been killed by roaming dogs, and his refuse bags are constantly destroyed.

There is debate as to who actually owns the dogs in question.

While most are of the opinion these animals belong to Percy Sithebe, he attested to owning only female dogs, stating the ‘savage’ dogs residents are fearful of, are stray.

“The males come here when my dogs are on heat,” he exclaimed. “They jump over the wall frequently and are beyond my control.”

He said some of his dogs had been taken away by the pound, yet two strays were left in his yard.

Mr Sithebe further alleged the two strays were aggressive and charged him when he attempted to chase them from the yard.

“These dogs are vicious; I have raised the walls to the maximum height so my dogs won’t go out. I have been bitten by these other dogs

before. If they think you threaten them, they retaliate.”

Expressing his dismay at the death of Danger, Mr Sithebe said he was never fully informed of the situation and believed the presence of the media was an excuse for abhorrent behaviour from officials.

“No one should celebrate the death of any dog. I felt humiliated and I believe these people trespassed on my property.”

It is understood SAPS officials on scene did not want to put themselves at risk as per guidelines, instead serving Mr Sithebe with a notice.

However, SAPS members are permitted to put down an animal in certain cases.