Three families attacked by their own dogs in KZN within days
PET AGGRESSION
On Tuesday a Phoenix man sustained serious injuries after his pet pitbull attacked him, while it was interacting with family members at his home in Rockford.
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THREE separate dog attack incidents in KwaZulu Natal have left multiple family members seriously injured.
The attacks, including one by a pitbull and another involving five dogs, highlight the growing risks of pet aggression in household settings
On Tuesday night, a Phoenix man sustained serious injuries after his pet pitbull attacked him, while it was interacting with family members at his home in Rockford.
Gareth Naidoo, the head of KZN VIP Emergency Services, said their medical teams responded to multiple urgent requests for assistance following the incident.
“Upon arrival, our teams established that a homeowner had been attacked and mauled by a pet pitbull while interacting with family members. The victim sustained severe injuries and was reported to be in a critical condition. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, he was transported to a medical facility by neighbours prior to emergency services arriving on scene."
Naidoo said a second person also sustained injuries, while attempting to free the victim from the dog, and also required medical attention.
"It is further alleged that this is the second such incident at the residence following a previous attack involving an elderly family member. Reports indicate that the family had previously sought assistance regarding the dog following the earlier incident but were unsuccessful in securing intervention."
In a separate incident on Monday, a pet mixed breed dog attacked four family members in Bonela.
Garrith Jamieson, ALS Paramedics spokesperson, said when paramedics arrived, the dog had been locked inside the house.
“Four members of the household were attacked. The mother and son are in a critical condition. They were rushed to a nearby hospital before the paramedics could arrive. Two other family members sustained minor bites to their lower legs and were assessed on the scene. However, they refused to go to hospital,” said Jamieson.
In the third incident, on Sunday, Jamieson said they were called out to Yellowwood Park, south of Durban, where a man in his 30s was attacked by five dogs.
“The man sustained multiple bites to his entire body and was in a critical condition. The man resides on the same premises."