Dear Editor,
This is a public appeal for the relevant authorities to intervene in a situation of gross negligence in South Ruimveldt Gardens. The residents at 100 Sugarcane Street own a dog which has been roaming Sugarcane and adjacent streets for many months, often in the company of at least one other dog. Very often, the dogs would snap at or rush at people passing on foot. Recently, one of the dogs produced pups and is consequently even more hostile to passers-by. Last Sunday evening, this dog bit my foster child as she was returning home. This child, who loves animals is now afraid to pass that house on her way home from school each day. A neighbour subsequently told me that this same dog has bitten at least two other persons in our street.
I have asked the lady who lives in the house on more than one occasion to keep her dog in the yard. I have made a report to the police. We have to walk past that house to reach the bus stop each day, or pay money to hire a taxi to get us past the dogs.
Why are the dogs snapping and rushing at people? How many more people will have to be bitten? Have they had their rabies shots? The once white coat of the mother of the pups is now a dirty brown. She definitely looks like she has not been bathed in many months.
Why do the residents of 100 Sugarcane Street display such sociopathic behaviour?
I look forward to swift action and a safer walk on Sugarcane Street when the relevant authorities take action and turn negligence into responsibility and the animals in the care of these persons are treated with care and enclosed within the boundaries of their home.
Yours faithfully,
Charlene Wilkinson
