Let's avert dog attacks

A tragic incident took place last week in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, where a three-year-old girl was fatally attacked by a pack of dogs.

In response, community members allegedly demolished shacks believed to belong to the dog owners, sadly resulting in the death of seven puppies.

Although the community's reaction cannot be justified, it highlights the urgent need for long-term solutions to the widespread problem of uncontrolled dogs.

This incident in Ekurhuleni is not an isolated case; too many dogs roam our streets, and even family pets can sometimes become aggressive.

Understanding dog behaviour is essential for preventing such tragedies.

Experts suggest that dog attacks on children can be caused by various factors, including herding instincts, dislike of children, or an increased prey drive.

Dog aggression, which may include growling, lunging, or biting, often originates from fear, territoriality, lack of socialisation, fear of unpredictable behaviours, resource guarding, or a strong prey drive.

It is important to remember that many dog bites to children are unprovoked, emphasising the critical need for constant supervision and education, particularly with family pets.

Furthermore, living with several dogs can raise the likelihood of bites, especially for young children.

Educating children about safe interactions with dogs and teaching them to recognise warning signs of canine discomfort can greatly reduce the risk of bites. While any dog can bite, some breeds, such as pit bulls and mixed breeds, may carry a higher risk of causing severe injuries.

Both the community and pet owners play a vital role in tackling this issue.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is tasked with enforcing animal bylaws, and ongoing problems with stray or escaping animals should be reported to the relevant authorities.

Ultimately, pet owners must take full responsibility for their animals to prevent future tragedies.

Reports indicate that South Africa has one of the highest rates of fatal dog attacks in the world, with pitbulls being disproportionately involved. 

We have a serious problem.