Another fatal attack involving a Pit Bull has sparked renewed debate about stricter regulations for the breed and the role of responsible ownership.

This comes after the death in hospital of 44-year-old Mitchells Plain resident Faziela Swartz on 3 February, after she was attacked by her son’s Pit Bull in the backyard of her home in Morgenster, on 28 January.

A video of the gruesome incident was widely shared. While two dogs were allegedly involved, only one was confirmed to be a Pit Bull. Both dogs were voluntarily surrended by the owner (the victim’s son) and euthanized.

While the City of Cape Town’s Animal Keeping By-law (2021) requires all dogs over the age of six months to be sterilized, and owners to get prior written permission from the municipality for breeding purposes, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA says spesific rules around power breeds may be needed.

Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham says in addition to compulsary sterilization, those who chose to own a Pit Bull should perhaps be required to have a permit with set criteria.

Abraham has however emphasised that aggression is not a breed or a dog type issue, it’s a people issue.

“Dogs behave according to how they’re bred, how they’re raised, how they’re handled, and breed-specific legislation will not address the real causes of attacks. That includes things like neglect, poor socialization, irresponsible ownership, and irresponsible breeding, which includes breeding traits like human aggression into a otherwise non-human aggressive dog type.”

The Pit Bull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA) says this tragic incident is another opportunity to learn.

“We are committed to educating the public about Pit Bulls — but we can’t do it alone. We need your help. Let’s be absolutely clear: Pit Bulls are NOT inherently aggressive toward humans. Our breed standard has zero tolerance for human aggression. When a Pit Bull shows aggressive behaviour, it is a reflection of handling, environment, and ownership — not the breed itself.”

The City’s By-Laws require dog owners to keep dangerous dogs, defined as an animal that is wild, vicious, or has a habit of charging people or vehicles, to be kept in an adequate enclosure, ensuring they cannot escape, and display signage warning of a dangerous animal on the property.

In public places, these animals must be kept on a leash and, if necessary, muzzled in public.

Owners are responsible for any damage or injury caused by their dogs, and owners must also notify the City if a dog classified as dangerous bites a person/animal, escapes, or is moved to a new address.

Dogs found in violation of the by-laws may be impounded, and fees will be charged for their release. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, or, in severe cases, the removal of the animal.