Debate erupts over caged security dogs kept in cages at local park

The deployment of caged guard dogs at the Melville Koppies nature reserve in Johannesburg has sparked concerns among the local management committee, with claims that the measure is unnecessary and an additional expense for the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ).

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According to Wendy Carstens, the chairman and conservation manager of the Melville Koppies Management Committee (MKMC), City Parks recently introduced a new security team at the nature reserve, which included four day guards and two night guards.

In addition to the human guards, City Parks also installed two cages, each containing a guard dog – an Alsatian for day patrols and a Rottweiler for night patrols.

Carstens states that the dogs are locked in their cages 24/7 and are only taken out for patrols. The Alsatian has reportedly broken its cage after hurling itself from side to side in an attempt to escape, leading to the cage being replaced with one that has extra heavy-duty wire welded to the uprights.

The Rottweiler, on the other hand, has been chewing on plastic water buckets, indicating that the dogs are ‘frustrated’ and barking incessantly when people are in their vicinity. “Many visitors are concerned and appalled at the treatment of ‘man’s best friend’ in a nature reserve,” Carstens said.

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“Although we really appreciate the new security guards, the addition of the dogs in cages is not necessary or appropriate. It is an unnecessary expense for JCPZ’s limited budget from the city.”

Carstens further revealed that the volunteer management committee was not consulted about the introduction of the caged guard dogs, and they are now earnestly appealing to City Parks to remove the canine unit from the Melville Koppies.

In response, Jenny Moodley, the spokesperson for the JCPZ, defended the decision to deploy the canine unit of the Zanmarheim Canine and Security Services, stating that it is a strategic move to mitigate the increasing reports of after-hours access, theft, poaching, and illegal activities in the area.

“The risk factors on-site, the area coverage required, and the safety of the guards during patrols have necessitated the use of these canine units,” Moodley explained.

“We have ensured that all measures in line with the Animal Protection Act and the well-being of the animals are strictly adhered to by the service provider rendering the service.”
Moodley further clarified that the JCPZ does not acquire or keep the dogs themselves, but rather utilises the services of appointed providers on their security panel.

The arrangement for housing and caring for the dogs was discussed with the security team, the service provider, and a member of the koppies management team, guided by the NSPCA guidelines.

The ongoing debate over the use of caged guard dogs at the Melville Koppies nature reserve highlights the need for a balanced approach to security measures and the welfare of the animals involved.

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