Ranger Stables stable manager urges dog owners to use leads
CRAIGHALL PARK – Ranger Stables stable manager Jess Markotter has advised dog owners to always use leads when walking their dogs following park ordeal.
Ranger Stables stable manager Jess Markotter will never forget Friday when she received news of the dog attack in the park.
“It’s a very frightening call to receive,” she said.
She added that on hearing the news she had made a call to her grooms to locate the loose horses and injured riders. “Once we knew what the damage was, we immediately called our vet
Dr Edward Evans who dropped everything to come and see to our horses.” She explained the vet had administered painkillers, cleaned the wounds and stitched the horses up. “He also gave them tetanus shots, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics. Mentally they needed – and need – love and patience. They were also given lots of carrots [which they love].”
She said when the horses were ready to go back into the park, it would be on a very quiet day with a very advanced rider who would be able to keep them calm and give them confidence.
“This will be repeated until the horses are comfortable and happy to be in the park.”
Jenny Moodley, spokesperson for Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo said she would like to reinforce that it was against the bylaws of the City of Joburg for dog walkers to allow their pets to be off a leash in a public park. “This is for the health and safety of other users and their pets.” She added that penalties for walking a pet off a leash could be issued and could include the SPCA being called out to remove dogs from non-complying pet owners.
She said all non-compliant dog walkers could be reported on 011 375 5911. Markotter said Ranger Stables worked together with City Parks regarding the use of parks, and Moodley advised that all horse riders in parks be approved by the Business Support unit at City Parks by forwarding an email to pgeyer@jhbcityparks.com
Senior inspector Stephen Maila of Sandton SPCA said it was the responsibility of the pet owner to walk their dogs on a leash for the pet’s protection and the protection of others.
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