Amid the mounting calls to ban ownership of pit bulls as domestic animals in South Africa, the Boksburg Advertiser asked a few locals to share their views on the proposal.
Sizwe Kupelo Foundation has asked government to impose an immediate ban on the ownership of pit bulls as domestic pets – citing several reports of pit bull attacks across the country, including the recently reported incidents where dogs reportedly mauled young children to death.
Corene Smit: I don’t think the real problem is people owning pit bulls because I myself own a big dog. I take care of it and don’t face any problems. The only thing that the government must control is the illegal dog breeders because they are the ones who are causing problems. They breed dogs for fights. Most of the dogs that go to fights are dangerous and lethal around people or dogs.Kabelo Mothupa: I strongly believe that pit bulls are very dangerous and banning them from being pets is actually a good idea. Pit bulls are a mixed breed of two aggressive dogs and to domesticate a dog like that is dangerous and things are bound to get out of control. Pit bulls have a tendency of misbehaving. They are likely to attack even their owners and when they have set their mind on their target, they don’t listen to anyone even their owners.William Momman: Pit bulls shouldn’t be banned from being pets. People should be reminded that any dog can be aggressive if it is badly treated. Any dog that is shown love will reciprocate love. You must love your dog as you love your sister and brother and your dog won’t be dangerous to people. Most of the dogs that become aggressive and angry are often mistreated. People must also avoid chaining their dogs all the time.Mirinda du Plooy: From my side I support the motion of pitbulls being banned from being domesticated. I think pit bulls must be kept away from people, especially children. I think people’s safety must be prioritised. People come first in my life. I think pit bulls normally attack people and that is bad. These types of dogs are vicious and people who are owning them should be cautious around them.Steven Hodge: I don’t support the motion that pit bulls should be banned as domestic animals in South Africa, because every dog’s temperament depends on its upbringing. These dogs are energetic and they don’t like to be kept in confined spaces. If these dogs are kept in confined spaces they easily get frustrated and aggressive. I think most people lack knowledge about owning pit bulls. If that can change we won’t hear any stories of pit bulls attacking people.
