A dog owner and his dog had an unpleasant experience in the Verity Park in Parkhurst. This was after Matthew Emanuel’s dog Mika was attacked by another dog at the park. According to Emmanuel, he was walking his already vulnerable three-legged dog who was on a lead.

“As we were leaving, another dog, I am unsure of the breed, but a very strong, ultra-built/muscular dog with no lead approached hastily. The owner called for her dog – almost as if she knew something was potentially about to transpire. There was the shortest interaction between them before the other dog viciously attacked Mika who is virtually defenceless on her three-legs,” recounted Emanuel.

He added that it bit and latched onto Mika’s remaining back leg and a lock-jaw type scenario commenced. Emanuel eventually managed to dislodge Mika from the other dog’s jaws. He said it was agreed between the parties that he would take Mika to an emergency vet while she (attacking dog owner) would cover the costs.

Upon arrival at the vet, the assessment was that Mika had been punctured and her muscle tissue torn. She remained there for surgery for about three days.

Margalete Rubinstein, the owner of the other dog said, “There was an incident in Verity Park where my dog bit another dog. I then advised the owner to take her to the vet where she was stitched and kept overnight. I went to pay the bill in full and the dog was released into the care of the owner.”

Emanuel, however, said the vet ended up footing half the bill at a later stage when the other dog owner bailed out after Mika’s wounds re-opened.

Emmanuel also extended his gratitude to the Sandton SPCA for their intervention.

The Sandton SPCA Inspectorate team said it is against the City’s by-laws to walk dogs in public off the lead.

“The reality is that some dogs are socialised and are comfortable around other dogs, whilst others are not. Dog walkers must know their dogs’ temperament and level of sociability so that they can manage the dog’s walking experience for the most enjoyment and safety of everyone. If your dog is not socialised or you are uncomfortable in any way with managing your dog, warn others not to approach,” the team said.

They added that unsterilised dogs (male and female) increase the risk of dog fights significantly. The team said, “No matter how careful you are and how well your dog is socialised, it is possible for these incidents to occur leading to high vet bills. It is a good idea to subscribe to pet insurance with accident cover, like the Sandton SPCA Pet Insurance product.”

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