An ordinary Tuesday afternoon turned to tragedy on August 29 when a beloved family dog, Zeus, viciously turned on Linda Venter (37) and her son, Brayden (9), at their home in Swellendam Road, Brentwood Park.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Philip Stoneman, chaplain for Trauma Support SA and Linda’s brother-in-law, said the horrific incident has left the family devastated and puzzled about what may have led to the five-year-old cross-Great Dane bull terrier turning on its owners.
“Linda is in an induced coma at the Netcare Union Hospital in Alberton after her right arm had to be amputated at the shoulder. She is in a critical condition,” said Stoneman.
“Brayden is undergoing treatment at the Netcare Linmed Hospital. He suffered bites to the face, arm, leg and buttock but is responsive and stable.”
According to Philip, he received a panicked call from his nephew, Brendan (14), at about 15:00 that day, with the teen pleading for urgent help.
“He said that he thinks his mom is having a heart attack and that she needs urgent medical assistance.
“I immediately put the call out on the radio requesting assistance and rushed to the scene, not realising the true extent of the emergency.”
Upon arrival at the house, Philip was met by concerned neighbours who rushed to the scene as well as first responders, who heeded his call.
“Brayden was lying in the front garden face down and paramedics were tending to Linda in the kitchen. She was critical and the decision was made for her to be airlifted,” Stoneman explained.
“Emergency protocols were put in place to have a helicopter land on Laerskool Brentwood Park’s sportsgrounds. An ambulance rushed Linda to the school, where teams were waiting.”
It is alleged that prior to the attack, Linda was hanging up washing while Brayden was playing rugby in the front garden.
“From what we could gather, the dog initially attacked Brayden and then turned on Linda after she intervened to save her son,” Stoneman said.
Thanks to swift reaction from neighbours, the Venters’ other sons, Brian (4) and Brendan, were kept out of harm’s way.
“This is a very trying time for the family as Linda’s husband, Marius, is bouncing between the two hospitals to see his wife and son,” Stoneman added.
Brayden, who is a learner at Laerskool Rynfield, was scheduled to go into the theatre at noon on Friday (September 1) in order for his wounds to be cleaned and sterilised.
“Linda’s condition is being closely monitored and the wounds remain open as a precautionary measure to prevent sepsis.”
Inspector Thomas Mohlake, of the Benoni SPCA, confirmed that upon arrival, SPCA field officer Ephraim Madam, found the dog was still displaying aggressive behaviour. It was deemed necessary to euthanise the animal on the scene and the carcass was then removed.
“This is indeed a tragic event when a beloved family pet turns on its owners,” Mohlake said.
“At this stage, we cannot speculate what may have triggered the attack, as the owners claim that the animal had not shown any signs of aggression or stress prior to the incident.”
He said that animal and owner training is essential when opting to home an animal that may be considered a power breed.
“We are saddened by the tragic turn of events and wish both victims a speedy recovery,” said Mohlake.
This is the second dog attack in Benoni, this month.
On August 4, Etwatwa toddler Ayanda Nkosi (20 months) was mauled to death by a Rottweiler belonging to a security company while playing in the street.
“In light of these recent attacks, we urge dog owners to do extensive research regarding various dog breeds before homing these animals,” the SPCA inspector warned.
“Know your dog and pay careful attention to any elements which may cause them distress and trigger an attack.”
Stoneman used the opportunity to thank first responders, Nitro Med, ER24, Fairleads Plotwatch, Benoni CPF, AfriForum Benoni, CMS, No Jack, as was well as the community for their assistance.
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