Photo by [CBC]
The Sizwe Foundation called on the government to ban pitbulls as domestic pets. With an online petition, Sizwe Kupelo is appealing to the government to regulate and remove pitbulls from communities following the mauling of 10-year-old Storm Nuku.
The petition has surpassed 20 000 signatures with more than 145 000 online views. The campaign aims to ensure the safety of vulnerable community members and to regulate ownership of the animal in light of multiple attacks reported across the country.
South Africa is not the first country to place regulations on the ownership and breeding of pitbulls. According to Kupelo, countries such as Russia, Portugal, Canada and parts of China have rules and regulations governing the animal.
SMread: Crisis looming as shortage of doctors becomes worse
The Use of Pitbulls
The temperament of pitbulls is unlike any other dog breed. In essence, they require time, effort and extensive training. They should not be in the care of irresponsible and negligent owners and breeders.
Many attribute the lack of training, mistreatment and neglect by owners to the animal’s extreme nature, which can lead to aggression against people. Often, they are not trained, and their aggression and physical prowess are used in illegal activities such as dog fighting. However, according to Kupelo, they can be helpful in the right circumstances.
Kupelo said, “[Pitbulls] can’t be in the hands of ignorant breeders. Rather you have fewer pit bulls in the hands of trained professionals like the police dog units or security companies with dog units. We’re saying that it [pitbull] can be put to good use.”
The Pitbull Federation of South Africa blames the owners, backyard breeders and specific rescue institutions for misleading the public when it comes to information regarding the animal. They urge owners to change their behaviour towards the dog, their treatment, and from whom they purchase it.
Common Goals
The petition is a welcoming sight to communities that live in fear of this animal. However, organizations such as the PBFSA stand against breed bans.
Kupelo explains that the safety of communities, specifically children, is his organization’s primary concern. Regulating and banning pitbulls from society will ensure people are protected, as evidence shows these dogs cannot be kept as domestic pets.
In a recent Facebook post, the PBFSA stated they are working alongside the Sizwe Foundation to find a solution in the interests of both parties as their shared goals are aligned to end maulings and bring about accountability.
The PBFSA said, “If there is to be a way forward that serves all and that gives hope, you will need to step out of your individual bubbles and accept what got us to this point and commit to working with us to make sure the carnage stops and that the lives both human and animals can be preserved.”
