A member of the City Mayor’s Committee on Safety and Security, J. Mr Smith said the public needed to be educated about animal welfare.

Pit bull. Image: Image: Lilla Kalocsai/Pixabay

CAPE TOWN – Cape Town authorities say they are continuing to co-operate with the SPCA in their investigation into the brutal killing of three pit bulls in Athlone last week.

The incident occurred after three dogs attacked a young girl. A child with serious injuries was hospitalized.

After the attack, the community set the dogs on fire, stoning them to death.

READ: Pit bull mauls toddler to death in East London

A member of the City Mayor’s Committee on Safety and Security, J. Mr Smith said the public needed to be educated about animal welfare.

“We are keen to ensure that we do not see a repeat of the events that took place earlier this week and that is why the city is working closely with the SPCA and the Animal Welfare Forum to find solutions. But also to raise the level of understanding and awareness of animal welfare,” he said.

READ: Pit Bull Veterinary Expert: The solution is to raise awareness

Smith added that pet owners should be responsible for their pets.

“Statistics from our animal control department show a clear increase in the number of dogs impounded this year, as well as complaints about dog fighting and reports to investigate attacks on other animals or people. We emphasize once again that the problem lies with the people in whose care these dogs ended up.”

The SPCA is offering a R5000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of people involved in the dog attack.

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