RESIDENTS attacked and set three pit bulls alight in Athlone over the weekend.
This after the dogs viciously attacked a girl in Gatesville, Cape Town, while she was playing in an open space.
After the attack, the community took matters into their own hands and attacked the dogs.
Some stabbed the dogs with knives as others hit them with stones as well as various other objects.
The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) said the young girl sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Chief inspector for the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Jaco Pieterse said they received a call about dogs being attacked.
SPCA inspector Jeffrey Mfini rushed to the scene and found the attacked dogs still burning.
Mfini extinguished the fire but all the animals had succumbed to their injuries.
Pieterse said the dogs’ bodies were taken to the SPCA premises in Grassy Park where post mortems will be conducted.
“We urge the public to contact the SPCA if a dog behaves aggressively or tries to bite someone. We will take the dog immediately. People must not take matters into their own hands – no animal deserves to endure brutality and suffering,” said Pieterse.
The SPCA is also urging dog owners to ensure that their dogs do not roam around the streets without anyone monitoring them.
“It is tragic that a child was harmed and in turn the animals were brutally attacked. No dog should be roaming the streets. Responsible pet owners ensure their animals are kept within their properties. If your home is not adequately fenced, don’t get a dog,” said Pieterse.
The SPCA said that they are open to accept anyone who wants to hand over their pit bulls.
Pieterse said dog owners who wish to give their pit bulls to the SPCA should contact the inspectorate on 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604 after hours.
“Community members are also urged to report cruelty to animals to the same numbers. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is also reminding members of the public that the organisation takes in any and all unwanted animals. The SPCA has an open admission policy and will never turn an animal away, regardless of the breed,” said Pieterse.
