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South Africans have grown incredibly weary of pit bulls over the last few weeks or so.

It’s been an ongoing battle, but the calls to ban the animals in the country have been growing ever louder following an increase in attacks from the dogs on humans, especially children.

As a result, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is completely overwhelmed with the “unprecedented” (yep, that word is rearing its ugly head again) amount of pit bulls being dropped off at its branches across the country.

The National Council of SPCA’s senior inspector, Nazareth Appalsamy, said via The Daily Maverick that “pit bulls are being surrendered to SPCAs in large numbers”, putting strain on the animal welfare organisation’s resources.

Apparently, the dissent has become so huge that pit bull owners have reportedly been receiving threats and are fearing for the safety of their pets.

The droves of surrendered dogs are mainly a result of panic and fear caused by the high number of attacks, with communities in conflict over members’ safety as more awareness is spread about the breed and the danger that it poses.

Responsible owners are realising that they know very little about their pit bulls and are likely feeling increasingly angsty about possible legal action thanks to the animal’s stereotypical behaviour and aggression.

Here’s Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s communication manager, Marisol Gutierrez:

“We have had calls on a daily basis from pet owners who want to surrender their dogs. Not because they are perceived as dangerous, but because they fear for their dog’s safety,” Gutierrez said.

“Some callers have expressed concern at being threatened by community members simply because they have a pit bull-type dog. It is sad indeed that loved family pets are being given up this way, through no fault of their own.”

According to the NSPCA, in places where owners are holding on to their beloved pit bulls, instances of vigilantism have increased.

They said that “animals are being poisoned, stabbed, beaten and set alight in retaliation from angry communities”, while other owners receive threats online to put their dogs down immediately or someone else will do it for them.

The NSPCA argues that the problem is how “these animals are exploited, bred and then recklessly sold and distributed across the country,” calling on the agriculture department to urgently implement proper regulations for the keeping and breeding of pit bulls.

If the government does not step up soon, there could be more cruelty and hate spread, more attacks, and more acts of vigilantism.

You might want to keep your pit bull indoors for now.

[source:dailymaverick]