TWO of the three pitbulls that attacked and killed a woman in Woodlands, Montclair, on July 2 have been euthanised, while the third dog remains at large.

The Durban and Coast SPCA said the three dogs were not confined on their property when they attacked the victim.

The woman (28), whose name has not been released by the police, was reportedly walking on the corner of Norwich and Atherstone Roads in Woodlands at around 23:00 when the dogs attacked her.

General manager at Durban and Coast SPCA, Caroline Smith, said their inspector attended the horrific scene. 

Also read: UPDATE: Pitbull attack – dog or owners to blame?

“Upon arrival, the woman was already deceased and one pitbull had been shot by a security guard. The shot was not fatal, and the dog was transported back to our SPCA for humane euthanasia. Inspector Sabelo Ngcobo collected the second pitbull roughly a block away, which was also transported back to our SPCA. The third pitbull ran from the scene, and as far as we are aware, is still at large,” said Smith.

Smith said following the incident, the owners of the three dogs arrived at their offices on July 3 regarding one pitbull which was in their custody. 

“The owner signed the dog over for humane euthanasia. This is the correct course of action as the dog is dangerous,” said Smith.

Smith emphasised that metro by-laws are enforced by metro police, including animals at large such as owned animals whose owners do not keep them confined to their properties.

Also read: Dog attack: 10-year-old Wentworth boy mauled by pit bull

“Our SPCA will be in attendance at a meeting called by Ward 64 councillor Norman Gilbert to discuss this tragic incident and to establish clarity on the responsibilities of roleplayers in these incidents. Pitbull ownership comes with huge responsibility and owning more than one of these power breeds comes with even more responsibility,” Smith added.

However, the police said the two dogs were shot and killed at the scene by a security guard, while the other ran away.

Spokesperson for eThekwini District Captain Carmen Rhynes said, “A nearby security officer intervened during the attack and fatally shot two of the dogs. The third dog fled the scene. The victim sustained multiple bite wounds and, despite the intervention, succumbed to her injuries at the scene.”

The Sun published a story on July 3 with many residents calling for the total ban on the ownership of pitbulls.

Understanding municipal by-laws on pets

The City’s Animal Bylaw for 2022 states the number of dogs permitted on premises.

The by-law states that no person:

• May keep on any premises more than two dogs whether male or female, where the total area of the land does not exceed 650m2,

• More than three dogs, whether male or female, where the total area of land exceeds 650m2

• More than one unsprayed female dog.

The by-law also states that:

• No person may allow any dog which causes a nuisance, charges at passing motor vehicles, animals or persons outside premises where it is kept;
• Keep any dog which is infected or reasonably appears to be infected with an infectious or contagious disease; or has not been immunised in terms of the applicable legislation and shall upon request furnish proof of such immunisation.

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