Pit Bull federation opposed to breed ban

A petition calling for the ban of pit bulls as domestic pets has accumulated 30 000 signatures.

The petition was started by the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation after 10-year-old Storm Nuku was killed by his family’s pit bulls on September 28.

Earlier this year, Rekord reported that a six-year-old girl was mauled to death by a pit bull in Atteridgeville. Charmaine Mahodi had been playing outside when the dog hopped over a small fence and attacked her.

The Pit Bull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA) is opposed to the ban, however.

Jeanette Erasmus, president of the PBFSA said the ban simply is not the best option. “Breed bans are proven to not work and this would be especially true in South Africa,” she explained.

Erasmus said that there are already laws governing such animals, but law enforcement is not enforcing the existing laws, so “policing and enforcing a ban will prove impossible”.

The idea to ban the breed outright will also not put an end to attacks by dogs, as the problem lies with negligent and careless owners, who will move on to the next breed. She also said that the ban would not get rid of the breed, but push it into the black market and underground operations, while opening the door to corruption.

“To end mauling’s, owners’ whose dogs maul need to be held criminally accountable in terms of the Animals Matters Amendment Act (AMAA).”

Erasmus worries that the type of narrative that focuses on the breed is used to avoid accountability by the real culprits, who are legally liable for their dog’s actions, with little being done to tackle the issue leading to drastic and unattainable ideas.

“This kind of narrative has allowed those whose actions have lead us to this point to hide behind the good dogs and good owners. The problem is allowed to grow because it is never remedied or confronted.”

Erasmus noted that people need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities.

“You are solely responsible for what your dog does. You are legally obligated to ensure your dog cannot cause damage to any animal or person.”

She further explained that bite victims need to report attacks to the SAPS and SPCA who should open a case in terms of the AMAA. If the dog attacks an animal that you own, then a case of damage to property must be opened.

“The SAPS and SPCA need to investigate the attack and problem dogs should be humanely euthanised.”

Erasmus said that the focus should instead be on petitioning municipalities to enforce by-laws regarding sterilisation of dogs, and permission needs to be sought to keep intact dogs.

She urged those thinking about getting an animal to stop supporting backyard breeders and rescuers. These individuals do not offer good advice and cannot be trusted when it comes to things like rehabilitating aggressive dogs. “By stopping the supply of problem dogs, this problem can largely be reduced.”

Erasmus said that PBFSA would be having a meeting with the foundation to discuss the breed ban.

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