The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) issued a warning regarding the dangers that followed a fatal incident in Durban. Caroline Smith, General Manager of SPCA in Durban and the Coast, reported that three pitbulls were involved in the incident; they were initially stray or roaming freely on the street, not confined to private property.
Details of the tragic incident
On Friday, a 28-year-old woman died after being attacked by three pitbulls in the Woodlands area. A police representative, Colonel Robert Netshunda, stated that the woman's body was found on the roadside at the corner of Atherstone Crescent and Norwich Crescent. According to police reports, the victim sustained injuries from the dogs and subsequently died from them.
Investigation and SPCA actions
The Montclair police opened a case for investigation. Caroline Smith clarified that an SPCA inspector, Sabelo Ngkobo, was called to the scene early Friday morning. She said that when staff arrived, the woman was already dead, and one dog had been shot by a security guard. The shot was not fatal, and the dog was taken to the SPCA for humane euthanasia. The second dog was found about a block away and was also brought to the SPCA.
The third pitbull disappeared from the scene, and as of the SPCA report on Friday, it was still at large. Smith added that the owners of all three pitbulls visited the SPCA offices regarding the dog under their care. The owner signed documents for humane euthanasia because the dog was deemed dangerous, which Smith believes is the correct action.
Comments from local officials
Norman Gilbert, Ward Councillor No. 64, noted that the woman was heading to a nearby shop for cigarettes and was attacked on her way back. He recounted that the woman's scream attracted the attention of residents who tried to help by chasing the dogs. Gilbert described the circumstances as extremely tragic, asserting that this could have been avoided if the municipal animal bylaws of 2022 were observed, especially concerning the number of dogs on the premises. He stated that he would raise this issue at council meetings.
He emphasized that laws are established by the city to ensure safety and habitability, and that the Durban metropolitan police are understaffed to handle such issues. Gilbert called it a catastrophic event for the community and the victim's family due to the lack of municipal control over rule compliance.
Call for responsible pet ownership
Tony Govender, Ward Councillor No. 70, agreed that many pet owners comply with city laws. However, he pointed out that some believe themselves above the law and allow their 'monstrous' pets to roam freely on the streets. Govender called for a clear message to be sent to such irresponsible owners.