Many are renewing the calls for more strict laws about owning pitbull dogs at home. This all follows the gruesome death of an elderly woman this week. Two pitbulls mauled an 88-year-old woman to death. The dogs belong to the Bonteheuwel woman’s neighbour.
Olga Grill was just one week away from her birthday.
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The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ spokesperson Belinda Abraham says the latest deadly dog attack calls for rules to be adapted:
We are deeply saddened by this incident, which once again highlights the need for the development and implementation of stronger regulations, or legislation with regards to the keeping of power breeds
There have been numerous calls, in recent months, for the ban of pitbulls as pets in South Africa. This follows several incidents where the dog breed has severely injured or killed civilians.
Abraham says her organisation does not support this call:
The SPCA movement is not supportive of the petition to ban, or outlaw pitbulls
LEGAL REPERCUSSIONS FOR PITBULL OWNERS
As for whether the dog owner will face legal action, the SPCA says this depends on Law Enforcement:
The SPCA’s mandate is the prevention of cruelty to animals, and owners would only face charges brought by us based on contraventions of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The City (of Cape Town)’s by-laws govern aggressive and free-roaming animals, and these are the mandate of law enforcement
Ward councilor Angus Mackenzie, visited the grieving family on Wednesday, conveyed his condolences:
Our deepest sympathies go to the friends and family of the deceased
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THE POLICE PROBE
Bishop Lavis police are investigating the case, saying that they do not suspect any foul play. According to the police’s Frederick Van Wyk, the elderly woman’s remains were found by her son, at her residence in Loganberry Street, Bonteheuwel at around 5pm.
According to reports members attended to the scene, where a female was attacked by pitbull dogs. Circumstances surrounding this fatal incident are under investigation. A Senior Inspector of Law Enforcements Animal Control Unit of the City of Cape Town came and removed the dogs. At this stage no foul play is suspected
Anyone with information can contact the Bishop Lavis SAPS or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
READ MORE: Appeal for calm over pit bull attacks
