NSPCA pit bull plea

THE National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) reported a spike in the number of pit bulls that had been surrendered to them in recent weeks.

Debates continue to rage over the safety of keeping these dogs amid reports of them attacking people.

“SPCAs around South Africa are facing the difficult task of dealing with the aftermath of these tragic attacks,” said NSPCA public relations officer Keshvi Nair.

She said pit bulls were being surrendered to the animal welfare organisation “in large numbers” and, in communities where owners had not surrendered their pit bulls, “animals are being poisoned, stabbed, beaten and set alight”.

Nair said the SPCA did not receive funding from the government. She said they had also formally addressed the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Land Reform about their plans for pit bulls.

“There is an urgent need for government intervention, failing which humans and animals could be harmed at an even greater scale.”