The SPCA is again calling for tougher laws for “power breed” dogs after two pit bulls mauled an 88-year-old woman to death in Bonteheuwel.
The dogs attacked Olga Grill in her yard at about 7pm on Tuesday March 28, say police.
Her son, Graham Grill, called the police.
Bishop Lavis police spokeswoman Sergeant Samantha Adonis said the dogs were with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
It was unknown what had led to the attack, and the station had opened an inquest docket, she said.
Police at the scene found Ms Grill’s body was missing a foot, her leg was bitten and scratched and the skin of her arm was missing. The body was sent to the mortuary for an autopsy.
“At this point, no foul play is suspected. We have to wait on the autopsy results. According to the son, they had an arrangement with the neighbour to keep the dogs on the property at night to prevent break-ins. They had a gate interleading to the neighbour, so the dogs jumped over that gate and attacked the woman. The owner said that he doesn’t understand what happened because the dogs knew the woman and she knew them,” Sergeant Adonis said.
SPCA spokeswoman Belinda Abraham said the two dogs were surrendered by their owner and brought to the SPCA by City Law Enforcement.
“We are deeply saddened by this incident, which we believe once again highlights the need for the development and implementation of stronger regulations / legislation around the keeping and breeding of power-breed dogs,” she said.
Any dog, in certain circumstances, could become aggressive, she said, noting that factors such as training, socialisation and individual temperament influenced a dog’s behaviour.
In general, dogs reacted with aggression when they felt scared or threatened, if they were in pain or discomfort, if they were establishing dominance, defending territory, or if their resources were threatened, she said.
In October last year, the NSPCA called for stronger regulations for the keeping and breeding of dangerous and aggressive animals, following a series of pit bull attacks including one that claimed the life of a 10-year-old in Gqeberha.
Ward councillor Angus McKenzie said the latest incident had shocked everyone connected to it.
“At this moment in time, sadness eludes us and shock engulfs us. It makes no sense how an 88-year-old, who lived a full life, needed to meet her death in a manner such as this. While an inquest has been opened, I want to assure residents that if criminal liability is found that I will be in the front line to ensure justice. This situation is just completely unacceptable. This should never have happened,” he said.
The Athlone News visited the home of the owner of the dogs, but no one answered. Graham Grill did not answer his phone when the Athlone News called him for comment.
