Police urge dog owners to safe-keep and care for their dogs
Captain Louis le Roux advises on how to keep your dog safely inside your property, especially to ensure it does not harm anyone. She also explains the procedure should you be bitten.
BRIGHTON Beach police are urging dog owners to take the necessary steps to ensure the safekeeping of their pets and that they are well cared for.
Captain Louise le Roux, the Brighton Beach police spokesperson, said it is imperative that the owners of dogs ensure that sufficient fencing exists around their dwelling – the fence should be a decent height, sturdy and well-maintained.
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She said security features such as a gate or gates to the premises must also be sturdy and in working condition – always.
“This security feature must be utilised optimally. Owners should also ensure that there is a warning sign on the gate, fence or both indicating that there is a dog in the dwelling.”
Le Roux said owners are to ensure that their dog is provided with sufficient water, food and shelter during the night and day when occupying the dwelling.
She said that when taking your dog for a walk, ensure that it is in a body harness appropriate for the type of dog and its size.
“Ensure that the harness remains maintained and is correctly placed on the dog so as to ensure no discomfort and full effectiveness thereof. This also applies to the appropriate leash.”
Le Roux said that no unauthorised person should enter a dwelling where a dog is being homed without seeking the prior permission of the homeowner.
“If the homeowners are aware that their dog or dogs are aggressive, then they should make prior arrangements for the dog to ensure the safekeeping of such animals prior to the arrival of visitors.
“Visitors must also be instructed not to interfere with the dog or dogs when placed in ‘safe-keeping’,” she said.
Le Roux said that if a person is attacked or bitten by a dog, they can request that a criminal matter be registered and investigated in terms of the Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993.
“Should the incident be recurring, and aggressive behaviour, such as chasing or attacking people continues, you may obtain a protection order from your district magistrate’s court, in terms of the Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011.
“If you have sustained injuries as a result of a dog bite, do not accept any financial remuneration from the dog owner as an incentive to refrain from opening a criminal matter for investigation,” she said.
Le Roux said it is imperative that pedestrians, joggers, cyclists and children refrain from taunting dogs.
“Do not throw stones or objects at dogs enclosed behind fences and gates when passing a dwelling where a dog is being homed. This also applies to dogs roaming the streets unattended.”
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