Child requires 15 stitches after dog attacks him in Delta Park
The family of the boy is still considering whether to open a criminal case.
While the official rule is that community members must keep their dogs on a leash at all times in Delta Park, this is rarely done in practice as incidents are uncommon.
However, a small boy was attacked by a ridgeback recently and required 15 stitches in his leg. This opened the topic for debate again on the Delta Park Facebook group
There, Bev Williams posted information about the incident. “The owners of the dog didn’t respond when the mother repeatedly shouted to them that their dog had bitten her son, and left the park,” Williams said, asking people who may know the owners to contact the family.
Comments from readers expressed frustration at this, and some urged the family to open a criminal case. Grandmother of the boy, Beryl Sparks later told Randburg Sun they were still considering whether to press charges.
Shirley Tebbutt heads the volunteer group at Delta Park, is a park warden designated by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo and publishes the park’s newsletter.
She also expressed concern about this incident. “I was saddened to hear it happened and I am so sorry it did,” she said. “Back in 1975, there was no rule about dogs being kept on leads and often a dog on lead is actually more aggressive because it is protecting its owner. A dog off-lead is on neutral ground, not in anyone’s territory.
“But usually when a dog attacks someone it is because it has not been socialised or trained. I am sure that was the case here and I do not think the owners will ever return to the park because they know people are looking for them.”
Sparks asked anyone who knows the owners of the dog to please contact the family on 083 399 3955.
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