Discussion on keeping aggressive animals as pets long overdue: NSPCA
The National Council of SPCA’s says regulations that control the breeding of dangerous and aggressive animals, and owning them as domestic pets, need to be stricter.
It’s been reacting to a petition to ban the pitbull-terriers breed as pets.
The petition insists there be measures to prevent the current rate of uncontrolled breeding - and permits for the dog owners.
"The discussion around the dangers of keeping aggressive animals and the devastating effect that it has on people and other animals is long overdue," says the council’s inspector Keshvi Nair.
The urgent call comes in the wake of the pitbull breed being named in a number of reported dog attacks.
"With the recent media sensation regarding animal attacks, we are now looking at the possibility of regulations that will further protect vulnerable people and animals . The picture is far bigger than just the protection of people and animals against dog attacks," says Nair.
She says while they don't support banning the breed, they feel there is a need for cohesive ideas to protect people and animals.
"With stronger regulations in place, issues such as over breeding in order for puppies to be sold for profit or dog fighting, which is illegal, will be greatly reduced for the benefit of animals and responsible owners throughout South Africa."
