Editorial

Unleashing the truth about pitbull attacks!

In a world where sensationalism often grabs headlines, we at Daily Sun embarked on a special project that delves into a crucial issue affecting our communities: vicious pitbull attacks. Our aim is not to vilify these powerful dogs or demonise responsible owners. Instead, we've opened the gates to a multitude of voices to shed light on this complex issue.

Our project has given voice to pitbull attack survivors, whose harrowing stories deserve to be heard. We've listened to domestic workers who encounter these breeds in their line of duty, as well as dedicated pitbull owners who passionately advocate for their beloved pets.

Animal inspectors and dog trainers have shared their expert insights, highlighting the importance of responsible breeding and training, while animal rights organisations have weighed in on the need for humane treatment of all animals. At the same time, organisations calling for a ban on pitbulls have passionately made their case.

Our project underscores the significance of responsible breeding practices and the dangers of crossbreeding, which can result in unpredictable behavior. It also underscores the enormous responsibility that comes with owning a powerful breed.

In a world where nuance is often lost, we hope this project will ignite a constructive dialogue and drive positive change. Ultimately, the blame should not be solely on the dogs or their owners but on a system that needs improvement. Let's come together to find real solutions that ensure the safety of our communities and the well-being of our furry friends.

DAILY SUN'S COVERAGE

Mom still haunted by kid's pitbull attack!

Lindi Monepya is still struggling to come to terms with her six-year-old daughter's death.

Pitbull lovers speak out!

With his Beauty at his side, this pitbull lover says it is through the pet owner's behaviour that one gets to see the dog's vicious side.

Blame bad breeding

Crossbreeding, irresponsible ownership and the neglect and abuse of this power breed are to blame for the pitbull's bad rep when it really is a loving animal.

Aggressive pitbull BITES owner!

Nkosingiphile Mzalwane said he'll never own another pitbull in his life. The man from Soweto was attacked by his own dog.

Attack on domestic workers

“We call for a pitbull ban. Our mission is to educate domestic workers about their rights. We are seeking justice for them.”

Where to shift the blame?

Pitbulls were not bred to be aggressive towards humans. This dog trainer sets the record straight about what it takes to own a power breed.

Domestic worker speaks about pitbulls ATTACK!

WARNING: Images are not for sensitive readers.

Dipuo Kokolosi (47) is trying to regain her confidence after she was mauled, allegedly by her bosses three pitbulls.

The dogs ripped off Kokolosi's nose and lips and bit her ears and other parts of her body at her employer's home in Potchefstroom, North West in January 2022.

Dipuo told Daily Sun that everything happened so fast and she was rescued by her bosses’ neighbours and the dogs were shot by one of the neighbours in self-defense.

Pitbull vs chihuahua

Jerry Selwane brings moral progress to the nation through animal care. The former SPCA inspector now runs an animal rehabilitation centre, the Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre, from his Zuurbekom home, in Gauteng.

Many of the animals that his organisation rescues are neglected and abandoned.

“Most of the animals are in horrendous condition, and our job is to enter any premises where animals are kept to determine the condition under which those animals are in terms of the Animal Protection Act,” said Selwane.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

white and brown short coated dog

Pit bulls attack sheep and a goat!

The dogs apparently escaped their enclosure and jumped a fence before attacking the livestock.

bonfire

Mob kills pitbull after toddler’s death

Angry residents burnt a violent pitbull dog to death after it killed a three-year-old boy.

black dog looking at camera

SPCA backs call to ban pit bulls

The SPCA in Bloemfontein has pleaded with the public to surrender dogs that pose a danger to the community.

'Pay me R10K for pitbull damages'

A 44-year-old Delft woman is gatvol after she was bitten by her neighbour’s pitbull. She's demanding damages, claiming the neighbour was neglectful.

Pitbull horror: ‘I found my child in a pool of blood’

Traumatised and heartbroken father Cedric Maunde still cannot believe that his daughter Charmaine Munepya died such a horrible death.