FRUSTRATIONS have once again escalated in Parkhill after another cat had been found dead in the community. Residents believe that the cat had been killed by the dogs of a ‘negligent’ dog-walker who has, for years, refused to keep her dogs on their leads.
Last year, Conyngham Avenue resident, Lyn Alborough claimed that the woman’s dogs had mauled four of her felines.
“It has been heart-wrenching. My cats are like my babies,” she said at the time.
Denise Masson, a Clarendon Road resident and Chairman of the Clarendon Neighbourhood Watch, said the resident’s dogs, a Boerboel and a Staffie, had also killed two of her cats.
“People are fed up. The current frenzy was sparked after a kitty was found dead in the area. While we cannot prove that it was her dogs that were involved we cannot let this go. Not only for the safety of our pets and the community, but also for her dogs, that could easily be hit by a car,” she said.
The residents have alleged that the woman, whose name is known to the paper, has ignored the community’s pleas and continues to ‘break the law’. She is often seen walking along Swapo Road, Blackburn Road, Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Highlands Road, Conyngham Avenue as well as Edgely Road.
According to Masson the residents had originally approached the resident in 2013 with their concerns, but even fines from Metro Police have not persuaded her to change her behaviour.
Angie Bullock, who also lives on Conyngham Avenue, said she fears that if nothing is done soon some of the residents might harm the dogs.
“It is at that stage where people are getting desperate. They are constantly fearing for the safety of their animals,” she said.
Following the community’s outcry the Durban & Coast SPCA had issued the dog owner with a warning. Lindsey Concer, spokesperson for the organisation said they would monitor the situation, and if the woman did not comply they would be forced to open a case with the police.
Numerous attempts to make contact with the dog owner have been unsuccessful.
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