Pit bull euthanised following vicious attack on 10-year-old girl in Galeshewe

THE DOG that viciously attacked 10-year-old Reatlegile Pitsoemang in Galeshewe has been euthanised, while several pit bulls have been handed over to the SPCA following the incident.

Community members are calling for all pit bull dogs to be removed from neighbourhoods in the city, after the young girl sustained extensive injuries during the attack, including the loss of an eye and severe facial trauma.

A neighbour who witnessed the incident said the girl had accompanied another child to fetch a chair from the back of a house in Phutane Street, Galeshewe, on April 2.

“She was assured that there were no dogs when she entered the yard and never noticed the pit bull until it pounced on her,” said the neighbour. “I ran to fetch a spade to frighten off the dog, as it had grabbed her by the head. Upon my return, her sister had bravely managed to separate Reatlegile from the pit bull. I called the SPCA, ambulance, police and councillor to assist.”

He added that the dog was removed from the premises the following day.

“I also have a three-year-old daughter and I fear that she may be the next victim. We do not feel safe in our own homes.”

A number of children carried placards reading “Keep our communities safe”, “Remove all pit bulls,” and “Keep our kids safe” during a march supported by the Moral Regeneration Movement and Operation Fiela on April 7.

The chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement, Fatima Malo, stated that Pitsoemang had suffered injuries to her skull, jaw and lip, and had lost her eye in the process.

“Pit bulls pose a danger to the public and have been known to turn on their owners. A gentleman in Kimberley recently had to shoot his pit bull after it tried to attack him.”

A petition that has attracted over 1,000 signatures highlighted the dangers posed by pit bulls and urged that they be placed in the care of the SPCA.

“The community of Kimberley is deeply shaken and traumatised by this incident. The dogs pose a threat to the safety of our families and children. The pit bull breed is renowned for its power and strength. They have the potential to inflict significant harm if improperly trained or uncontrolled,” the petition read.

It also called for proactive steps to be taken to prevent further incidents.

The homeowner where the incident allegedly took place did not wish to comment.

The media liaison officer for the Northern Cape Department of Health, Mandisa Mereeotlhe, said two facial reconstruction surgeries were performed on the 10-year-old patient at Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Hospital (RMSH).

“Surgery was performed to repair soft tissue damage. She is in a stable condition in the intensive care unit,” said Mereeotlhe. “Prosthetic technology is required to replace some of her missing facial bones.”

She added that Pitsoemang was being treated by a team of multi-disciplinary specialist surgeons at RMSH.

“She still has a long way to go and will require multiple facial reconstruction surgeries.”

Kimberley SPCA managing committee chairperson Alet Steyn stated that the owner voluntarily surrendered his pit bull to the SPCA following the incident.

“The dog was humanely euthanised upon arrival at the SPCA. We are not aware of any other dogs on the property,” she said.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to the young girl affected and her family during this distressing time.”

She added that they were fully committed to supporting the ongoing police investigation into the incident.

Steyn stated that several pit bulls and other power breeds were handed over to the SPCA following the incident in Phutane Street.

“Any person who wishes to surrender their unwanted or aggressive dog should contact their local SPCA for assistance,” she said.

“Any person who feels compelled to keep their dog chained due to safety concerns should consider surrendering the dog to their local SPCA.”

She added that any dog breed had the potential to be aggressive if not properly trained.

“Too often, power breeds are acquired by irresponsible people for security purposes. These dogs are trained or forced to become aggressive towards humans and animals alike.

“All too often, these dogs live in cages or are kept chained. This ultimately leads to an increase in aggression, thereby increasing the risk of attack.”

Steyn explained that owning a dog came with obligations and responsibilities.

“Responsible pet ownership is paramount, especially when it involves power breeds such as pit bulls. While these dogs can be loyal companions, their strength and tenacity necessitate that owners exercise heightened responsibility to ensure both public safety and the well-being of the animal.”

She advised all dog owners to prevent unfortunate incidents by socialising their dogs with people and other animals from an early age.

“Dogs should be kept within securely fenced properties to prevent them from entering public spaces or other private properties unsupervised. Dogs should be consistently given healthy physical activity and mental challenges to deter undesirable behaviours. Spaying or neutering can greatly reduce aggression and prevent unplanned litters, contributing to overall community safety,” Steyn concluded.