Cape Town – An influx of surrendered pit bulls and violence directed towards the breed has prompted the National Council of SPCAs to call on the government for urgent intervention.
The NSPCA said the number of aggressive dogs surrendered to SPCAs across South Africa continued to increase.
“Over the past few weeks, there has been an exponential amount of media exposure regarding pit bulls attacking humans, especially children. As a result, SPCAs around South Africa are facing the difficult task of dealing with the aftermath of these tragic attacks. Pit bulls are being surrendered to SPCAs in large numbers and, in communities where owners have not surrendered their pit bulls, the communities are beginning to take matters into their own hands.
“Animals are being poisoned, stabbed, beaten, and set alight in retaliation by angry communities,” the NSPCA said.
It said as the number of aggressive dogs surrendered continued to grow, so too did its concern over its operations.
“The SPCA does not receive funding from the government. In addition to the vital work that SPCAs are already providing to their communities on limited resources, we are faced with dealing with this issue alone as well.
“The SPCA movement is taking action at great risk and cost to assist animals and communities. Realistically, the movement does not have the resources to cover the cost of this national campaign without support from other relevant role players in this matter.
“The NSPCA has formally addressed the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform to enquire what their plan and strategy to address this national issue is, given that this is their responsibility,” the NSPCA said.
“There is an urgent need for government intervention with regard to this issue, failing which humans and animals could be harmed on an even greater scale.”
Cape Times