Child (10) attacked by dog in Daveyton

A 10-year-old boy from Daveyton is recovering in hospital after being mauled by a pitbull while playing in the streets.

The boy suffered serious injuries to his face when he was attacked on October 22 at around 17:00.

According to district communications officer Captain Neldah Sekgobela, the dog belonged to a resident who lives along Bhele Street not far from the child’s home.

“The boy was rescued by a man who was sitting on the pavement when he witnessed the attack. The boy was immediately rushed to the clinic for medical attention.”

Sekgobela said the owner of the dog hasn’t been arrested as police are still investigating.

A case of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been opened at the Daveyton SAPS.

SPCA

According to Benoni SPCA manager, Jacques Cronje, when Inspector Thomas Mohlake arrived at the scene he found the injured child, family and the owner of the dog. The community was rather upset by the incident.

“The owner of the dogs surrendered them to the SPCA and, unfortunately, due to their temperament, we had to euthanise them. It was two pitbulls. I must stress that the breed is not an aggressive breed and is quite friendly,” said Cronje.

Cronje said as with all breeds of dogs and just like children, if you don’t raise them and nurture them to be good family members, they won’t be.

The boy is the latest victim to be attacked by a dog following the death Ayanda Nkosi, a 20-monthold toddler who died at a local clinic in August after being attacked by a neighbour’s Rottweiler in Etwatwa.

In a separate incident, on October 14, a 13-year-old boy was also attacked by a pitbull while walking home with his cousin in Barcelona, Etwatwa. A case of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been opened at Etwatwa SAPS.

Also Read: Dog attack victim’s family needs financial support

Also Read: FOLLOW-UP: Mom recovering after dog attack