Total of 26 pit bulls given to the SPCA in Virginia

On Monday Phomolong residents voluntarily surrendered sixteen pit bulls and ten pit bull puppies to the Virginia SPCA.

Captain Stephen Thakeng media liaison officer for the Lejweleputsa SAPS says there was a deluge of calls from pit bull owners in Phomolong who wanted to surrender their pets following the savage attack and mauling of a three-year-old Phomolong toddler by two pit bulls on Sunday.

“The Virginia SPCA received a lot of calls from residents in Phomolong who wanted to hand over their pit bulls and puppies voluntarily. A joint operation between Virginia SPCA and Hennenman SAPS Visible Policing was organised,” says Thakeng.

Ten pit bull puppies were voluntarily handed over to the Virginia SPCA during a joint SPCA/SAPS operation in Phomolong, Hennenman, on Monday afternoon.Photo: SAPS

The operation was led by Sgt. Phakiso Molotsoane, and took place between 14:30 and 17:30 on Monday.

“Nobody was forced to give his or her dog up. Residents are advised to consult with the SPCA to obtain more information about how to handle the types of dog breeds that they have in their homes,” Thakeng says.

Dog breed temperament assessments can also be done by the SPCA to determine the level of aggression in an animal.