KEVIN Ireland’s dog can finally breathe after surviving an attack from a pit bull on April 20 in Robertsham.

The Robertsham-based resident said that after the attack his dog is scared to take a walk with him.

According to Ireland, he was taking his dog for a walk, which is something he does regularly. At one of the houses they were passing, the gate was left wide open and out came a pit bull.

Ireland tried to prevent the pit bull from biting his dog, but his dog had already suffered underlying damage to its skin on its rump. Ireland said his dog fled and went missing for two days.

“I looked for him everywhere and even went to the SPCA to look for him. After two days, I went back to the SPCA and found him at the kennel. I took him to one of the local vets to check on him,” said Ireland.

Ireland told COURIER he tried opening a case at Booysens SAPS, but he was told that there is no charge for cases of animal-on-animal attack.

Booysens communications officer Lorrain van Emmerik said if it was an animal-on-human attack, then they would have opened a case and addressed the matter.

“There’s no criminal act for an animal-on-animal attack. This isn’t a criminal case. It’s a matter that needs the SPCA’s attention, not the SAPS’s,” she said.

Pit bull owner comments

The owner of the pit bull told the COURIER the dog Ireland said was attacked by his pit bull isn’t the one he saw on April 20. The dog he saw was a little bit bigger, but he doesn’t deny that his dog lost control and attacked Ireland’s dog.

“My dog attacked Ireland’s dog, but didn’t hurt his dog. These are just claims and even my domestic helper can verify my statement. I always try my best to keep my dog in the yard. It was just a mistake on that day and no dog was hurt,” he said.

Ireland showed the pit bull owner receipts stating that his dog went to the vet after experiencing an attack but he still claimed his dog was not in the wrong.

The COURIER tried reaching the domestic worker, but all yielded barren results. The COURIER’s efforts to contact the domestic worker were in vain.

SPCA’s take on the matter:

The SPCA’s public relations officer, Liana Marx, gave the following statement about pit bulls:

• They are perfect as therapy dogs

Contrary to popular opinion, pit bulls are not dangerous or aggressive. They have been serving well as therapy dogs because they are loving and affectionate. Their puppy-like attitude makes them ideal candidates for children and people of all ages.

• They are emotional

Few dogs have the same emotional range as the pit bull. They would seem to be stubborn, but in reality you have a sensitive pooch whose feelings also get hurt. They will not act out when you don’t want to do what they want, but they might give you the silent treatment. However, they forgive and forget very quickly, so you won’t have to feel bad for very long.

• They are useful for sniffing jobs

Pit bulls are great as drug- and bomb-sniffing dogs, thanks to their strong sense of smell. They are also highly intelligent and full of energy. These dogs have to go for regular walks and runs. Make sure when you do so you have a strong reliable harness and lead on your dog. A collar can easily slip off and the dog will run, but you will have more control over your pet in a safety harness.

• They love friends

In the beginning of the 20th century, pit bulls were chosen to be nanny dogs or even nursemaids. This is because of their loving nature, stability and loyalty, making them perfect for taking care of children. They only started to be known for violence due to bad owners who do not socialise or have any good interaction with them. Any dog is almost like a child. You have to teach them right from wrong or teach them to socialise with others. If not, problems are created.

Did you know

Pit bulls are wonderful and loving pets that have unfairly received bad press due to irresponsible dog owners. Despite their reputation, it is important to give these dogs a fair chance to prove how friendly, loyal and loving they truly are.

Without you knowing it, you might finally find your four-legged best friend. Pit bulls used to be one of the most beloved breeds out there, starting in the army recruitment posters of the First World War.

In the past couple of years or so, the public’s opinion of these dogs changed completely and now pit bulls are seen as dangerous and scary. The reality is that pit bulls are completely misunderstood. Their negative reputation comes from fear or misinformation.

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