Last week Tuesday, the Cassim family were shocked to the core after a neighbour’s dog, Jesse allegedly attacked their family.
For parents Anwar and Sakinah Cassim, Tuesday will forever remain the day they could have lost their children.
The children have been left traumatised by the event, thus Mr Cassim recalled what occurred on that fateful day. “We had left for work. My children were at home thanks to the school holidays.
My son, Saeed noticed the pit bull and recognised him from its usual walks around the neighbourhood,” recalled Mr Cassim. Jesse it seems, may have recognised young Saeed as well as it rushed through the open gate to him.
However, without the hand of its owner keeping her leashed and calmed, Jesse allegedly seemed violent and menacing rather than playful and calm. “Saeed panicked and rushed into the house. Who wouldn’t?!” Unfortunately, Saeed did not manage to close the door to the home behind him and one-and a-half-year-old Jesse pushed into the Cassim’s home.
The dog allegedly chased Saeed around the home and the ensuing commotion rose other occupants of the home, including the Cassim’s own pet
pit bull, Zorro.
On hearing the commotion and screams the six-monthold puppy, rushed to assist the family. Zorro was mismatched when he faced the attacking pit bull. Jesse dwarfed him in size but Zorro made up for this in courage and love for his family. “Zorro stood his ground, even after the other dog had tore into his neck and bit him in many places.”
Neighbours hearing the commotion managed to contact Mr Cassim, the SPCA, the pound and the owner of Jesse. After one more altercation, the
dogs were subdued and Zorro was rushed away for emergency medical attention. Fortunately, Zorro survived, but the scars and nightmares will remain with the family forever. “My children could have been killed. I understand this all too well now.
“This dog is dangerous and its owner is refusing to take responsibility for the dog’s actions,” accused Mr Cassim. SPCA Inspector Elize Van Rooyen was called out to investigate the matter.
The issue was later referred to the Municipal Pound, but the SPCA had to investigate whether the dogs in question were bred for fighting purposes, if they were kept with adequate provisions made to house them and if their welfare was maintained.
“I found no indication to suggest either dog was bred for fighting purposes. Furthermore, the dogs both have adequate housing provisions and it is quite surprising that the dog was roaming free,” she explained.
Both dogs’ welfare was clearly maintained, as they were both extremely strong and healthy. “Both dogs are extremely playful and calm. I suspect it was the circumstances leading to the fi ght that made the dogs aggressive.”
Jesse’s owner was contacted and requested to remain anonymous. “We are extremely sorry about what happened. We would like to help the family in whatever way possible, but I am a single parent, living on a pension and my son is studying.”
It is believed that Jesse managed to escape the home after the front gate was left open for a split second, said the family. According to sources, Jesse has no prior incidents of violence.
Investigations into the matter continue. Comment regarding the pound’s investigation was not forthcoming at the time of going to print.
