Power-breeds are larger dogs, perceived as aggressive. There have been many stories surrounding these breeds, especially Pitbulls, which include but are not limited to attacks on children and other animals.
These cases have served as a tool to demonise these dog breeds and are making it hard for owners and breeders to keep their dogs safe.
The stigma attached to the dogs is addressed by a dog breeder, Frans Netshivhazwaulu, saying it is not just a dog issue but also a people issue.
“Power-breeds are a little different from other breeds because they are easily provoked. But any dog can be aggressive depending on how you treat it,” he said.
He provided an example: “A German shepherd is a mild-mannered dog, but if you provoke it long enough it could attack.
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“The same German shepherd if confined in a small cage, will be frustrated by these environmental stress factors and compared to a Pitbull that has been running around a yard its whole life, it will be more prone to aggression than the Pitbull.” – reworded.
Frans also states that any animal has the potential to be dangerous given the right circumstances.
“As long as there is a constant supply of fresh and clean water and food, your dog will do fine,” he said.
A petition was started that affects power breed owners, particularly Pitbulls.
The national office of the SPCA addressed the petition and its importance with a press release that stated, “Not only do people suffer from dog attacks, but other animals have also been victim to dog attacks and some have been mauled to death.
“The aggressive animals themselves have also been subjected to extreme abuse and cruelty in the manner in which they are kept, trained and even killed.
“This is an issue where both human and animal lives have been placed in danger by irresponsible people who lack the skills and knowledge required to handle power-breeds.
“At first glance, the petition may appear outrageous, especially to Pitbull owners, however, upon careful reflection, the petition advocates for the protection of people and responsible pet ownership.
“The petition calls for all Pitbulls to be castrated/sterilised which would prevent the current rate of uncontrolled breeding.
“The petition also calls for stronger regulations for keeping Pitbulls (and other power-breed animals), requiring owners to have permits to keep such animals.”
The statement also addresses the concerns surrounding the surrender of dogs, amid fears due to the attention their pets are receiving.
“As the media continues to report on the dangers of owning power-breed dogs, the NSPCA foresees several people no longer wanting their dogs.
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“The NSPCA urges all owners who no longer wish to keep their dogs to take them to their local SPCA, animal welfare shelter, or private veterinarian.
“It is without a doubt that SPCAs, which are not funded by the government and most recently excluded from LOTTO funding, will now have to bear the brunt and added expense of dealing with even more unwanted animals surrendered to the SPCA.”
Springs SPCA manager Annecia Morton has confirmed the rise in owners surrendering their pets and cautions Pitbull owners as the situation escalates.
“Unfortunately, people are posing as SPCA and police officials, attempting to confiscate people’s animals. Owners need to be careful and more mindful of the situation,” she warned.
