Edgy pet owners surrender their pit bulls after attacks

The recent tragic incident of an eight-year-old boy being mauled to death by a pit bull at his home in Vista Park, Bloemfontein, has seen some Dundee residents surrendering their pit bulls to the SPCA.
So what are the by-laws when it comes to keeping dangerous animals? According to Endumeni by-laws, Chapter 13 of 27, that pertains to dangerous animals: (1) No person may without a permit issued by the council, keep any wild animal of a species that is dangerous to humans, including without limitation, large carnivores, venomous snakes, spiders or scorpions; (2) The permit referred to in subsection (1) may be issued subject to such conditions as may be deemed necessary by the council, including… the type of enclosure required to ensure that the animal does not escape from the premises or pose a danger to the residents of, or visitors to, the premises.
However, it is unclear whether these by-laws are enforced by the municipality. People on social media have called for the banning of pit bulls in South Africa. Nonhlanhla Mthembu, a resident in Glencoe, said she is all for the banning of pit bulls as domestic pets.
“Pit bulls are vicious and they are not animals to be kept as domestic pets, as this is not the first incident where a pit bull has mauled a child to death,” said Nonhlanhla. She added that pit bull owners should be held accountable when their dogs viciously bite people.
She concluded by saying that pit bull owners, as well as all other pet owners, need to read and apply the Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993.
“This Act stipulates that pet owners should be held accountable for injuries caused by animals.”
SPCA public relations officer Keshvi Nair commented that the SPCA is open 24/7 to accept/admit all unwanted, sick, stray or injured animals.
“The SPCA will never turn away an animal that is brought to our offices. To surrender an unwanted/stray animal, all one has to do is bring the animal to the SPCA to drop the animal off. The SPCA does not charge a fee when people surrender their animals to us,” said Keshvi.
Euthanasia of animals is a reality
She also explained that when animals are brought in, they are all assessed by the relevant person appointed to do an assessment.
“Every single animal is given a fair opportunity at the SPCA, but euthanasia of animals is a reality,” she explained.
Keshvi added that when other slow-kill shelters are filled to capacity, they turn people away and the animals are left to suffer.
People then dump/abandon the animals, or they turn to other cruel methods of getting rid of the animal. The SPCA does NOT turn animals away. “Contrary to what many people believe, the SPCA does not euthanise every animal that is brought to us. Many animals have been safely re-homed,” said Keshvi.
She emphasied that the SPCA prides itself on ensuring that responsible re-homing is undertaken and animals are adopted by responsible people.
“Part of this includes the fact that the SPCA does not re-home aggressive/dangerous animals, because we act in the best interests of the animal and the community,” said Keshvi.
Owners must be accountable
She also highlighted that when a dog (pit bull) attacks, the owner must be held accountable. “The Animal Matters Amendment Act no. 42 of 1993, which provides direction and recourse for victims of animal attacks, holds the owner of the animal/s strictly liable for any injury or damage caused by the animal,” she explained.
People who have been attacked or bitten are strongly encouraged to open a case at the local police station under the Act, which is enforced by the SAPS.
Asked if there is anything that the SPCA can do if the owner surrenders a pet and then gets another dangerous pet, Keshvi said that the SPCA is mandated to enforce the Animal Protection Act no. 71 of 1962, which protects all animals against cruelty and suffering.
“If the owner is keeping the animal, no matter how dangerous or aggressive, in a manner or under conditions that compromise the animal’s welfare, then the SPCA can certainly step in and take the relevant action,” said Keshvi.
If people witness animal cruelty or suffering, they need to report it to their local SPCA urgently. Complainants will be kept anonymous.
Keshvi also explained that when it comes to the ownership of any dog, the owner is compelled to keep the animal in a manner that complies with the Animal Protection Act no. 71 of 1962, the local by-law regulations and the Five Freedoms of Animals.
Regarding by-laws (of pit-bull ownership), the SPCA does not enforce the by-laws, as they are not mandated or authorised to do so.
“The municipality is mandated to enforce their by-law regulations.
“The municipality may also call on the assistance of the SPCA when they are enforcing their laws and need assistance with the removal of animals,” she explained.
She said that sterilization in certain areas is compulsory in terms of the by-laws, but sadly this is not the case across the whole of South Africa just yet