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Young Woman in Elsburg Attacked by a Pitbull
A young woman’s recent pit bull attack in Elsburg has left her mother, Samantha Smith, deeply concerned for her safety. The incident occurred on October 7, and the dog responsible belongs to the property owner, whose daughter is a tenant. The victim had to be hospitalised for stitches, and she is now too afraid to return to her residence.
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Smith expressed her distress over the situation, noting that her daughter had to undergo a subsequent operation to address septic wounds, causing financial strain. She emphasized that the dog’s owner is not taking responsibility for the attack, despite a case being opened with Elsburg Police Station and the SPCA investigating the owner.
Germiston and Bedfordview SPCA committee member Jacques Peacock clarified that the SPCA’s role is primarily focused on preventing cruelty to animals. When there is no apparent cruelty or if the animal owner is unwilling to surrender the animal voluntarily, the SPCA lacks the authority to take action, including removing the animal.
Peacock explained that in such cases, the responsibility falls on the victim of the attack to open a case with the SAPS. The prosecutor can then request the magistrate to issue an order for the animal’s removal once the matter reaches court. Peacock concluded that the law does not permit removing a dog under the Animals Protection Act merely due to its vicious nature, as it primarily deals with cruelty to animals.
He pointed out that the EMPD (Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department) does have the authority to remove dangerous or vicious animals without court involvement, with the court later deciding whether the owner can reclaim the animal or not.
Source: Young woman gets attacked by a pitbull in Elsburg
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Photo: Supplied by Germiston City News
