Yellowwood Park pitbull that bit child euthanased but evidence of abuse comes to light

IT has been confirmed by the Durban and Coast SPCA that the pitbull dog involved in Wednesday’s (10 May) biting of a seven-year-old child in Yellowwood Park has been euthanased.

READ the initial story: Pitbull bites Yellowwood Park child (7)

“The Durban and Coast SPCA was contacted regarding the attack of a child by the owner’s pet dog. An inspector who visited the address immediately, spoke with the owner. The owner requested to have the dog humanely euthanased. This was done on arrival at our SPCA. The body will also be sent for rabies testing.” said SPCA marketing manager, Lindsey Concer.

During the incident it is believed the father of the child tied the dog by the neck and hung it out of his bakkie in an attempt to strangle it. Evidence of this only came to the SPCA’s attention the day after the euthanasia.

A witness to this abuse allegedly forced the father to release the animal from its constraint and put him safely in the vehicle.  “The SPCA is not involved in dog attacks on humans. We deal with cruelty to animals. Attacks on humans by animals are a Metro function. Only if there is a welfare concern for the dog involved, then we may get involved.

When we went to the home on Wednesday, the dog seemed fine and the owner asked for the animal to be euthanased. But new evidence of abuse have come to light and a case of cruelty is under investigation,” said Concer.

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The SPCA responds to and investigates allegations of cruelty or neglect of animals (caused by people) in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71/1962.

In cases where an animal has caused injury to a person, the injured party would have the following options:

• A charge against the owner of the animal in terms of The Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993. (to be investigated by SAPS)
• A charge in terms of the City By Laws – these do vary according to the Municipality which governs that area. (to be investigated by Metro Police)
• A civil case, in which the injured party could sue the owner of the animal and claim damages. ( to be dealt with by private attorney)

In cases where an animal has caused injury to another animal, the owner of the injured animal has the following options:

• A charge in terms of the city bylaws.

These can differ from one municipality to another. The bylaws state the regulations in terms of the number of animals a person is allowed on their property – depending on the size of the property, the keeping of aggressive animals, roaming animals, nuisance animals and so on.

City bylaws are policed and enforced by Metro Police and the owner of the injured animal would need to report the incident to them for their investigation.

If a charge is laid against the owner of the problem causing animal, the case will be heard in court and a decision can be made by the presiding magistrate with regards to the fate of the dog if the owner is found guilty. Should the magistrate declare that the animal must be euthanased, the SPCA may be called upon to assist with collection and euthanasia.