Unleashed dog causes fear

Heather Lewis, Glencairn 

I was told: "Go dig your grave."

On Saturday morning, September 20, at around 10.15am, I was outside my house, Forrest Way, Glencairn, sitting flat on the ground and removing grass that had grown off the verge into the tarmac.

I am an old woman who has recently had a knee replacement, and getting up quickly is not easy. I saw a largish short-haired dog running every which way in the road.

The next moment, this dog's snout was in my face, an inch from my eyes and nose, and it stayed there.

I was really scared. I froze, as I did not want to frighten the animal in case it felt threatened by me. I felt it might bite me in the face. The owner, a retired male with white hair, did nothing to call his dog.

Twice, I asked him to please call his dog. And then I shouted, asking him to control his dog.

I managed to stand. I informed him that, according to our bylaws, dogs in public places must be on a leash and controlled at all times. He could see that I was really upset.

He then swore at me and walked away. 

He replied: "You are talking b***s***." 

I called after him: "You have no right to swear at me, and you are a grumpy old man."

He walked further, the dog still uncontrolled. He turned and screamed at me: "Go dig your grave!"

I was shocked. It left me with that feeling all too familiar to South African women. A man who should have protected me saw fit to be verbally abusive and threatening.

Abuse of women and men who intimidate them happens in all communities and in many different ways. I am sure this 'gentleman' will be horrified to think of it in the same way as I do.

• Wayne Dyason, spokesperson for Law Enforcement, responds: Dogs must be under the proper control of the owner or handler when they leave the premises where it is kept. The fine is R600 if there is non-compliance.

"In addition,  there is also the offence of failing to prevent any animal from attacking, worrying or frightening any other person or animal, for which the fine could be R3 000. Residents can phone the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 to report such incidents."