Sandton SPCA anticipates uptake of neglected animals if pit bull ban is enforced
Sandton SPCA remains committed to the needs of animals, including a potential uptake in neglected animals if a viral petition results in the ban of all pit bull breeds as domestic pets.
The Sandton SPCA anticipates an influx of neglected and abandoned animals should a national ban on all pit bull breeds as domestic animals be imposed.
This follows an online petition recently launched by the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation after the death a 10-year-old in Nelson Mandela Bay, Gqeberha, who was attacked by two of the family’s dogs.
“It is time that the South African government takes decisive steps and impose a complete ban on the ownership of pit bulls as domestic animals.
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“Such a move would prevent further attacks and unnecessary deaths. We cannot continue sending out messages of condolences for something that can easily be prevented,” said the foundation’s founder Sizwe Kupelo.
Since its launch in September, the petition has accumulated more than 43 000 signatures. A counter-petition was also launched, rallying more than 20 000 pit bull and other animal lovers.
“As a pit bull owner myself, I know there’s nothing wrong with these adorable dogs. On the contrary, it’s some owners who don’t treat them with the respect and love they need,” said the petition’s author Andrea Crook.
Regardless of the outcome, if any, Sandton SPCA general manager Meg Wilson reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to attending to animals in need if the ban of the breed contributes to its intake.
According to Wilson, pit bulls have become a very popular breed in the community. The SPCA is estimated to have taken in, treated and/or sterilised in excess of 100 pit bull breeds this year.
“We will do what it takes to ensure that these sentient creatures are handled with the utmost compassion.”
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Wilson added that the concern, however, remains that some of these dogs won’t be surrendered to the SPCA, leaving them vulnerable to suffering.
“The Sandton SPCA endeavours to work with pit bull and power breed owners to ensure the best outcome in a difficult and controversial situation.
“We advocate the sterilisation of power breeds to stabilise the population and the lineage of these animals, and reduce the risks of breeding undesirable and even dangerous genes by means of uneducated and indiscriminate breeding,” she said.
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