Pit Bulls Are Often Considered Dangerous Due to Their Bite Strength.
(The Post News)- The relationship between humans and dogs is often described as a strong bond of friendship. However, what happens when your loyal companion suddenly sees you as prey?
Tragedy struck in Dikeni, Eastern Cape, on Friday evening when a 67-year-old man, Mpumelelo Xiniwe, was fatally attacked by his three pet pit bulls. Xiniwe, a former school teacher and owner of Xiniwe and Partners Funeral Undertakers, was attacked after walking an acquaintance out of the gate.
According to his niece, Thembisa Xiniwe, the visitor attempted to save her uncle from the vicious attack. “My uncle was walking his colleague to the gate, and as he turned around to return to the house, the dogs suddenly attacked him. His colleague jumped over the gate and into the yard to drag him out, sustaining injuries in the process as the dogs were in attack mode.”
Several organizations and citizens have urged the government to tighten regulations regarding pit bull ownership in South Africa. The Sizwe Kupelo Foundation has advocated for a complete ban on pit bulls in the country.
Sizwe Kupelo, the foundation’s founder, expressed concern over the government’s slow response. “We’ve engaged with authorities and stakeholders involved with this breed, and it’s taking too long. People are falling victim to these dogs, and authorities are aware of the damage.”
The Pit Bull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA) stated that public outcry about banning the breed has highlighted previously unresolved issues. “The PBFSA and the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology are working with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development to form a task team. This team will identify approaches to promote safety for people breeding and living with pit bulls, reducing and preventing injuries and loss of life.”
Reports indicate that over 10 people fall victim to pit bull attacks annually, with eight resulting in fatalities. This raises the question: “Are pit bulls safe to call pets?”
The pit bull involved in the attack was put down by the SPCA.
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