How to handle dog bites or attacks
The Randburg SPCA's animal behaviourist, Tammy Gregor, weighs in on what is best practice when bitten or attacked by a dog owned by a person.
We all love our furry friends but sometimes unfortunate incidents do occur such as bites or attacks.
The Randburg SPCA‘s animal behaviourist, Tammy Gregor, weighs in on what is best practice when bitten or attacked by a dog owned by a person.
Ensure the case is registered in terms of the Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993.
Should the incident be recurring and the aggressive animal continues to chase/attack people, you may obtain a protection order (PO) from your district magistrate’s court, in terms of the Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011. This is free service and is initiated at the clerk of the court.
Protection order procedure:
- Download and complete the relevant section of the forms provided – main-form-c1.pdf (justice.gov.za
- As the complainant, ensure that you indicate the animal is aggressive and is chasing and/or attacking on specified dates.
- Submit the completed forms at the clerk of the court, where it will be referred to the magistrate for consideration and review.
- Should the magistrate deem there is sufficient grounds for the complaint, they may authorise an interim PO.
- The magistrate may also authorise a concurrent warrant of arrest held in suspension/ abeyance. Should the owner of the dog fail to adhere or contravene the PO, by allowing the nuisance dog behaviour to continue (chains/attacking) they may be subject to arrest and prosecution for contempt of court.
- Both the complainant and respondent (dog owner) will appear in court at a date set when the interim PO was issued. They are both entitled to legal representation and a final order may be granted if there is sufficient cause.
It is only after this final order has been issued, that the SPCA is granted the right to seize and impound the animal. However, when laying the original complaint, you may keep the SPCA in copy. They may be able to engage with the owner and persuade the owner to relinquish ownership before another incident occurs.
All medical and veterinary costs pertaining to the unlawful attack may be claimed from the owner of the animal via the Small Claims Court, this is free. Details: /www.justice.gov.za/scc/scc.htm
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