Three pit bulls were killed and their bodies set alight by residents in Gatesville, Athlone, after the dogs were accused of attacking a young girl in the area.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA was alerted to the killing of the dogs after the girl was attacked on a Gatesville field.
The child was hospitalised with severe injuries, according to SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse.
Angry residents had then stoned and stabbed the pit bulls before burning them, he said.
SPCA Inspector Jeffrey Mfini found the dogs burning when he arrived on the scene. He extinguished the fire, and the dogs’ bodies were taken to the SPCA in Grassy Park to be autopsied.
“We urge the public to contact the SPCA if a dog behaves aggressively or tries to bite someone. We will take the dog immediately. People must not take matters into their own hands – no animal deserves to endure brutality and suffering,” said Mr Pieterse.
The SPCA would never turn an animal away, he said.
“It is tragic that a child was harmed and, in turn, the animals were brutally attacked. No dog should be roaming the streets. Responsible pet owners ensure their animals are kept within their properties. If your home is not adequately fenced, don’t get a dog.”
Athlone police station’s spokeswoman Sergeant Zita Norman said no case had been opened in connection with the incident. Properties with dogs should post warning signs, she said.
Mr Pieterse said the SPCA did not believe in outlawing pit bulls, but stronger laws and regulations should govern their breeding and keeping.
In many cases, he said, aggressive animals had been subjected to extreme abuse and cruelty.
“This is an issue where both human and animal lives have been placed in danger by irresponsible people who lack the skills and knowledge required to handle power breeds.
“Compulsory sterilisation, at the cost of the owner, would assist in preventing power breed puppies from being easily accessible to irresponsible people. Compulsory permitting would assist in being able to hold power breed owners accountable for their pets.”
Contact the SPCA inspectorate at 021 700 4158/9 or 083 326 1604 after hours.
