THE two pit bulls responsible for a vicious attack on 85-year-old Delyse Augustine in Wentworth have been removed from their owner’s home and are set to be euthanised following mounting pressure from the fear-stricken community.

Also read: Elderly Wentworth woman mauled by two pit bulls

Augustine’s daughter Bronwyn Samuels, said that her mother, who was walking home from shopping for groceries on October 3, had gone out of her way to avoid the pit bulls who were already barking and trying to attack dogs behind a gate.

“My mom crossed the road to get out of their way, but the dogs suddenly left the other gate and attacked my mom from behind. The dogs began to just maul her,” said Bronwyn. She thanked the three brave members of the public for rescuing her mother and risking their own lives in the process. “In all honesty, she would have been killed today if those people had not pulled those dogs off her. All three of them were bitten trying to save her,” said Bronwyn.

Laiken Samuels, Augustine’s granddaughter, said her grandmother suffered deep puncture wounds to her legs and a severe tear to her head. “She’s been for CT scans and seen specialists for her head. It looks like she may need plastic surgery or a skin graft for the wound on her head. She’s in a lot of pain, but we’re just grateful she’s alive,” said Laiken.

Investigating the incident:

After public pressure and several complaints from members of the public, the Durban and Coast SPCA launched an investigation into the incident. According to Tanya Fleischer, the SPCA’s marketing manager, inspector Nish Ramsamy visited the premises on October 10. “The owners of the dogs surrendered the animals voluntarily to the SPCA and also requested that the animals be euthanised,” said Fleischer.

Response from the community:

Bronwyn said she is grateful and relieved the animals were ultimately removed from the property.

“I just want to say thank you to all those who have assisted my mom and family. The Ogle Road community has been terrified of these dogs, it’s their support that has made our argument even more compelling. At least now the children and adults involved there can feel safe again and do not have to live in fear,” she said.

Aubrey Snyman, Ward 68 councillor, sympathised with Augustine and reiterated that the incident could have been avoided.

“It’s really sad that the senior citizen was attacked by these dogs which should have been behind locked-up gates and this is not the first time the community have been complaining about these dogs and I believe if people want to keep dogs, they need to ensure that the safety of the community must be taken into consideration first. These serious incidents could have been prevented if people take extra precautions when taking care of their pets. I sympathise with the family, and I wish the senior citizen who was a victim of this serious incident a speedy recovery,” he said.

Snyman confirmed that a case has been opened at the Wentworth police station and is being investigated.

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