A 21-year-old Colville woman was severely injured in an apparent dog attack.
Image: File picture
A 21-YEAR-OLD Colville resident sustained severe injuries after she was allegedly attacked and bitten by a pack of dogs in Agatha Street.
The incident occurred a few days after a pit bull mauled 10-year-old Reatlegile Pitsoemang in Phutane Street, Galeshewe, on April 2, leaving her with severe facial injuries and resulting in the loss of her eye.
While the pit bull involved in that incident was euthanised, Fatiema Joubert said that the six dogs that attacked her stepdaughter, Denelle Duiker, were still roaming freely in the streets.
“Even though the dogs are very aggressive, they are not chained, and pedestrians are at risk of being bitten,” said Joubert.
She explained that her stepdaughter was walking past a tavern at around 7.30pm on April 9 when the attack happened.
“She was screaming for help, but no one came to her assistance. She had to receive medical treatment at the hospital. She has deep gashes where the dogs bit her legs. She still struggles to walk properly and is in a lot of pain.”
The tavern owner stated that he did not own any pit bulls.
“My dogs are house dogs, and I don’t know anything about anyone being bitten or attacked,” he said.
SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock said the Kimberley police were investigating a case of negligence or failure to prevent an animal from causing injury to another person.
“It is alleged that on April 9, at approximately 7.30pm, a 21-year-old woman was attacked by six dogs while walking in Agatha Street, Colville,” said Kock.
He added that the woman was allegedly attacked by three pit bulls and three mixed-breed dogs.
“She apparently screamed for help and was assisted by family members who managed to remove the dogs.”
Kock said the woman suffered serious injuries to both her legs and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
“The ownership of the dogs and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.”
He advised that in terms of Section 1(1) of the Animal Matters Amendment Act 42 of 1993, any person found to be negligent where an animal causes injury to another person could face a fine or imprisonment for up to two years.
“Anyone with information can contact Detective Sergeant Mpho Morake on 073 354 0370 or call the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or utilise the MySAPS app. All information will be treated confidentially. The investigation continues,” Kock concluded.
The following image contains visuals of a dog bite injury that some readers may find distressing.
A 21-year-old Colville resident sustained severe injuries after allegedly being attacked by a pack of dogs.
Image: Supplied