Cape Town - The NSPCA has backed the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation and its “Ban the Breed” petition, relating to pitbull terriers.
The animal protection organisation said pitbulls had become notorious for violent attacks, although other dog breeds were also responsible for attacks.
In the latest tragic case, 10-year-old Storm Nuku was mauled to death by his family’s two pitbulls in his house in Gqeberha in September.
The NSCPA said it supported the petition advocating for the protection of people and responsible pet ownership.
“The petition calls for all pitbulls to be castrated/sterilized which would prevent the current rate of uncontrolled breeding.
“The petition also calls for stronger regulations for the keeping of pitbulls (and other power-breed animals), requiring owners to have permits to keep such animals.
“Dog breeds with the potential to be aggressive and cause harm to other animals and people are easily obtained. In the hands of uniformed or irresponsible people, the dogs can become a risk to the people in their communities.
“Too often, Pitbulls are acquired by irresponsible people to portray an image of ‘power’, for dog fighting, breeding and/ or for security purposes. These dogs are incited and trained to become human and animal aggressive, and very quickly the animal becomes high risk. All too often these dogs live compromised lives in cages or on chains which typically leads to an increase in aggression and further increases the risk of attack.”
The NSPCA said according to Section 10 of the Animals Protection Act no 71 of 1962, Agriculture Minister Thoko Didiza had the authority to promulgate new regulations in terms of the petition put forward by the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation.
"This petition should not result in the demonising of pitbulls but in finding a humane and cohesive way forward to protect the human and animal victims in this issue. The SPCA movement remains committed to the protection of all animals against any cruelty and suffering,“ the NSPCA said.
Cape Times