Dog expert says attacks often due to negligence
A dog expert says the numerous attacks reported in Durban boil down to negligence by some pet owners.
On Tuesday morning, an 11-year-old girl and a school staff member were rushed to hospital after a dog attacked them on Gordon Road in Morningside.
In the past two weeks, there have been at least four dog attacks in and around Durban.
Grant Smith from Smart Dog K9 Training Centre says dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their pets are trained.
He says there are several consequences when your dog has mauled someone.
One of them is a criminal charge against the owner.
"There is actually a civil case as well, where the person can be civilly sued, and the dog can be put down as well to the worst-case scenario, which we don't want to see happen.
"So that's why owners of dogs need to make sure they train the dogs, make sure the dogs are human friendly and dog friendly as well."
Smith advises anyone who encounters a vicious-looking dog to not move a muscle.
"If you're being attacked, standstill, don't run, don't shout, don't scream; the more you stand still, the less chance they will attack you because it’s using its prey drive."
