Report aggressive dogs to metro – not the SPCA
“The mandate of the SPCA is to prevent animal cruelty.”
Concerns about aggressive dogs in your neighbourhood should be addressed to the Tshwane metro instead of the SPCA.
This according to the Centurion SPCA responding to a resident’s concerns about dog attacks in Doringkloof.
“Complaints related to animal by-laws should be directed to the Tshwane metro on 012-358 4656,” said Centurion SPCA manager Christina Masemola.
Masemola said the SPCA can only investigate matters related to animal welfare.
“The mandate of the SPCA is to prevent cruelty to animals,” she said.
“However, the local municipality is responsible for complaints regarding stray animals.”
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This includes aggressive dogs, dogs chasing vehicles or people, dogs being a nuisance, barking excessively, ripping open rubbish bags or defecating in public places.
This week, a 62-year-old resident of Doringkloof told Rekord she carries a stun gun while taking her daily walk in the area to deter dogs from attacking her.
Ana Dema, who has lived in the area for the past nine years, was bitten by a dog in Selbourne Avenue a little over a year ago.
The dog had escaped from its owner’s yard and attacked Dema as she was taking her daily walk.
“I was walking past the house where the dog had come from,” said Dema.
“The dog barked at me and I walked a bit faster. The next thing I knew it bit me on my leg.”
Dema described feeling excruciating pain.
“I reached for my stun gun which I carry with me for safety. When I turned it on, the dog ran away from me and I managed to escape.”
Since then, Dema said she has struggled with dogs in the area she claimed weren’t properly restrained by their owners.
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“I recently had another close encounter after two dogs managed to escape from a yard where a gardener had opened the gate.”
Dema started walking a year ago after being diagnosed with diabetes.
“How can I enjoy my walks when I have to take them in fear of being attacked by dogs?”
Earlier this month, a domestic worker was seriously injured when she was attacked by a dog in Eldoraigne.
According to ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring, the woman sustained serious bite wounds to her face, as well as her body.
The woman was treated for her injuries before being transported to hospital.
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