Pet owner watches dogs maul cat to death

A PACK of dogs which has terrorised Umbilo neighbourhoods for more than a year struck again last week when they tore a pet cat to piece, causing an angry outcry from residents who want authorities to take action.

Denise Hall who watched in horror as the dogs attacked her cat on Sunday, 20 October, said it was the same pack of dogs that has terrorised the neighbourhood for months. “A rather large black dog was able to not only attack my cat but then proceeded to run down Lorraine Avenue with my cat firmly gripped in its mouth with another two dogs in pursuit, one was a cross Jack Russell and the other a no name breed,” the devastated resident said.

Hall said what came next was something no animal lover could bear. “They stopped and proceeded to tear my cat to pieces and broke its neck so that its head was facing the opposite direction. My cat died an excruciating death,” she said.

According to Hall the dogs often wander in and around the Stellawood Cemetary and roam around Carrington Primary School. “What is it going to take to have these dogs eradicated? The death of a school pupil, the mauling or death of a person? Will something only be done once loss of life has occurred?” she asked.

Earlier this month another incident was reported to Berea Mail where it is believed the same pack of dogs attacked Carrin Martin’s dog while she was walking him near the cemetery. Luckily the little dog survived with numerous lacerations and 40 stitches.

Residents allegethe dogs belonged to a caretaker who lived on the property at Carrington Primary School near the Stellawood Cemetery.

“I cannot believe that nothing has been done by the relevant authorities as to what seems to be a highly aggressive pack of dogs roaming the neighbourhood,” added a despondent Hall.

When first approached by Berea Mail, Mrs L Pillay, Junior primary HOD at Carrington Primary said she had no idea about dogs on the school premises but promised to investigate further. She subsequently contacted the Berea Mail, saying she was new to the school and unaware of the dogs. “After looking into the matter, I found out that these dogs come into the school late at night through a broken part of the fence,” she said.

Pillay added that the SPCA was aware of the situation. Caroline Smith, SPCA Durban Coastal Marketing Manager said although they didn’t get involved unless there was evidence of cruelty to animals, she would look into the matter.