Community urged to help find stray pit bulls
After being on their own for several days, who knows the long-term effects it might have on the animals?
A search is currently ongoing for two pit bulls on the loose in the Witpoortjie area. This comes after one dog was killed on January 11 and another hurt in an altercation with the two pitties.
It is unclear how long these fur babies have been roaming the streets.
Johnny O ‘Reilly, who sent out a warning on social media to residents about the pit bulls, explained that the dogs got into an altercation with another pit bull on the corner of Corlett Avenue and Leerdam Street. The pit bull however did not survive the attack. The two then proceeded towards Java Street where they bit a small Boston terrier. He noted after a search they were able to find the Boston terrier after which they took her to a vet.
“Luckily she wasn’t bitten too severely, but she was attacked pretty badly,” said O ‘Reilly. He noted the two pit bulls then ventured further into Witpoortjie after which they disappeared.
“We need to find the owner so the SPCA can take the dogs. They are posing a threat to people and their animals in the area.”
He emphasised the importance of people keeping their pets in their yards and not letting them get out and into the streets.
Ryan Jackson, the owner of the Boston terrier which was missing since January 8, explained to the Roodepoort Record that after Lola got out, they drove around for hours looking for her.
“We did eventually spot her, but she was so scared and bolted when we called her name,” said Jackson.
He explained they tried to go after her, but she just disappeared. They then continued to search for her but to no avail. The following morning, they continued their search, as well as in the evening.
“Then when I woke up on Wednesday morning, I saw the messages of the two pit bulls that attacked a dog and I saw a picture of the dog. I felt like such a bad person because she had been out for three days. It’s raining, it’s cold. She’s hungry. When I first saw the pictures I didn’t know if she was still alive or … and I just broke down.”
Luckily he was informed she was still alive and had been taken to the vet.
“I can’t express how thankful I am towards everyone who helped search for Lola and helped her to a vet after she was injured. I can’t wait until she gets home,” said Jackson.
He continued to say he knows it is not the pit bulls’ fault for what happened and as an owner of a pit bull himself, he is not against the breed at all. He just hopes the owner will take responsibility for their dogs and their actions. He added his dog is well-trained and best friend with his two boys.
“Don’t blame the dog, blame the owner. It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure their dog does not get out and that they are well-trained and well-tempered. I realise mine got out as well, which is why I am taking precautions to prevent this from happening again,” concluded Jackson.
Mandi Cattanach, the manager at the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA, stated, “My inspectors responded to the call but could not find the two pit bulls. The deceased dog was brought back to the SPCA to be cremated.”
Any person with information about the dogs is encouraged to contact O ‘Reilly on 079 475 1146. He noted people are welcome to stay anonymous for fear of victimisation.
