SOME pit bull owners from the South Coast say the latest petition to ban the breed in the country makes no sense as they believe the responsibility lies with the owner to be educated about dog handling and to train their pit bulls, just like any other breed.

The Sizwe Kupelo Foundation’s petition calls for a total ban of pit bulls as pets in South Africa, and it comes after recent incidents where unprovoked pit bulls viciously attacked passers-by. On the South Coast SUN Facebook page, opinion was divided as some supported the proposed ban, while others were against it.

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Lesley Verwey supported the ban. “I don’t like these dogs because they are too vicious,” he said. Belinda Brodie-Gower also supported the ban, but for different reasons. “I think they should be banned because they are subjected to so much abuse (sic) idiots,” she said, referring to incidents where pit bulls are bred for dog fighting.
On the other hand, Romè Momberg said owners of this breed should be educated on how to train their dogs. She said she grew up with pit bulls and has found them to be good family dogs.

“I think a licence to own a pitbull should be a requirement as not just anybody should have this breed and some other large breeds, too. My sons have grown up with three well-trained pitbulls, and they are absolutely loving and gentle. It all comes down to the owner, and that goes for most large breeds. I’ve seen some vicious Rottweilers, but they aren’t being banned,” she said.

She said she has owned three pit bulls, and there were no issues when they were introduced to other dogs.
SPCA Amanzimtoti’s manager, Tracey Girling, said any dog’s behaviour depends on how it is looked after and trained by its owner.

“Generally, pit bulls are lovely dogs but do need the proper training. People who keep pit bulls in confined spaces, chained up, are the problem, not the breed. When people want to get a dog, a specific breed, I always advise them to do their homework to make sure the breed suits their home and lifestyle,” said Tracey.

She added that she has seen people get breeds as a status symbol, but they have no idea how to train or look after them, and when they cannot control the dog, the dogs end up at the SPCA.

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