Cape Town - In light of the ongoing debate around the ban of pit bulls in the country, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) said it was engaging with various role-players to address growing concerns.
This while the SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in the
North West on Wednesday called for pit bulls to be categorised as wild animals and legislation regarding their domestication, including neglect, to be tightened.
DALRRD said they were liaising to have discussions with organisations early in the new year.
“Pit bulls are not registered dogs with the department; however, in the interest of this important matter, engagements with different stakeholders is ongoing.
This includes some pit bull owners, research and development organisations.
“The department can only confirm that there is co-operation with pit bull owners, and representatives of different government departments including those in the security cluster.
“Plans are under way to invite relevant parties to sit during January 2023 to plan on the way forward regarding pit bulls,” said DALRRD.
DALRRD said the discussions with the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation (SKF), which has called for the banning of the breed, have been limited until the online petition, which the foundation ran, is handed over.
SKF has indicated that they are ready to hand over the online petition, which has garnered around 134 000 signatures.
SKF founder Sizwe Kupelo said: “We are ready to hand over the petition, which stands at 134 000 signatures. We are waiting for the date from the department. The minister’s office promised a date before the 15th of December.”
Meanwhile, Sanco said they were calling for stricter legislation after another fatal attack.
“This follows the death of a 39-year- old man who was mauled to death by a pit bull at a Mogwase tavern near Rustenburg.
“The civic organisation expressed mixed emotions about the Mogwase incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday because of circumstances surrounding what could possibly be a break-in as the dog in question was allegedly patrolling the tavern owner’s premises after business closure,” the organisation said.
Sanco provincial chairperson Paul Sebegoe said that a full probe into the incident was necessary, while commending the SPCA for euthanising the dog involved.
“There is seemingly lack of public knowledge regarding pit bulls’ inherent aggressive behaviour, which is uncontrollable once triggered, hence the escalating incidents of vicious attacks involving the breed that have resulted in horrific deaths affecting mostly innocent passers-by and children,” said Sebegoe.
Cape Times