AN East London man is set to undergo surgery after he was mauled by two dogs on Friday.
The 82-year-old’s family said his leg was ripped open during the attack by a Boerboel and Rhodesian ridgeback.
The man, who did not want to be named, also sustained injuries on both arms.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli said the man was taking a walk in Stirling when the dogs attacked him.
“The victim sustained serious injuries … and the two dogs were later euthanised,” said Nkohli.
The victim’s son-in-law, who also wanted to remain anonymous, said his 82-year-old relative was in pain.
“He is still complaining about severe pains. We have been taking turns in going to visit him in hospital so that there is always a person by his bedside,” said the son-in-law.
The family opened a case, which the police are probing under the Animal Matters Amendment Act. The dog’s owners are said to have visited the victim in the hospital on Saturday.
The son-in-law said, “We will sit down and talk with them. We believe it was a mistake that they left the gate open, but there have been complaints about the same dogs from neighbours. We also feel like there was negligence from their part. As far as we know, this is not the first time their dogs have attacked someone,” said the son-in-law.
East London SPCA general manager Ian Lombard said the Animal Matters Amendment Act stipulates that, in respect of injuries caused by animals, any person whose negligence causes injury to another is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to a fine or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
Lombard called on dog owners to always be vigilant.
“As a responsible dog owner, there are several steps you could take to reduce the risk of dog bites. These include but are not limited to properly training and socialising your dog. Always obey leash laws and use a leash in public spaces. Supervise your dog when around unfamiliar people or other animals,” said Lombard.
He also called on dog owners to place warning signs on their property if their dogs have a history of aggression.
“Ensure that your dogs cannot exit your property when you leave or arrive at home. Do not negligently leave your gate open. We urge the public to be responsible pet owners,” he added.
