MEDIA STATEMENT
11 APRIL 2023
MINISTER DIDIZA MEETS WITH SIZWE KUPELO FOUNDATION OVER PITBULL PETITION
The Minister of Agriculture,Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza,MP has met with the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation over the
pitbull petition. The Sizwe Kupela Fooundation also handed over 139 000 signed petitions to the Minister.
The Minister did raise government’s concern over the loss of lives and damages associated with this type of dog. She indicated to the meeting that there is work that government is currently doing to resolve the issue associated with this type of animal. “Amongst the work that is currently underway is the comprehensive DNA analysis of Pitbull and pit bull type dogs, to assist with correct identification of problem animals unigie to South Africa.This excersise will also investigate agression behaviour and will assist in identifying the pit bull and pit bull type dogs that may bdeveloped through indiscriminate cross breeding.
The department is also working with the department of Justice and Constitutional Development, to amend Animal Matters Amendment Act of 1993 to ensure that citizens are protected from any harm and that owners of such animal are held accountable for whatever damages caused by power dogs and other animals. Key role players in the private sector namely Pit Bull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA) and the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE) International have joined hands with the department to create a joint task team to identify short, Medium andlongterm practocal approaches to promote safety of all people living with pit bull and pit bull type dogs to reduce and prevent injuries and loss of life on all fronts.
Department ofAgriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development l Departement van Landbou, Grondhervorming en Landelike Ontwikkelingl
Muhasho wa zwaVhu limi, Mbuedzedzoya Mavu na Mveledzisoya Mahayani luMnyangoWezolimo, IzinguqukoKwezomhlaba
NokuthuthukiswaKwezindawoZasemakhayalNdzawulo yaVurimi, Antswiso wa Misava na Nhluvukiso wa Matikoxikaya l Litiko
Letekulima,TingucukoKutemhlaba Nekutfutfukiswa Kwetindzawo Tasemaphandleni lUmNyango wezokuLima, ukuBuyiselwa kweNarha
nokuThuthukiswa kweeNdawo zemaKhayal Kgoro yaTemo, Peakanyoleswa ya Naga leTlhabollo ya Dinaga- magae l Lefapha la
Temothuo, Kabobotjha ya Naha leTlhabollo ya Dibaka tsa Mahae l Lefapha laTemothuo, Pusetsodinaga leTlhabololo ya Metsemagae l
ISebe lezoLimo, uBuyekezo lwemiHlaba noPhuhlisolamaPhandle
This is indeed as assignment that needs multiple government departments including Municipalities whom the department is envisaging
to help in ensuring reviews, and implementation bylaws to better manage keeping of companion animals such as dogs and to ensure safety and
welfare of both human beings, and animals, said the Minister Didiza The Minister committed the department to work with all other relevant
stakeholders to ensure that this issue is addressed to the satifaction of all involved, especially to ensure that all citezens are safe from any harm
caused by dogs and any other domestic animals.
-END-
Issued by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural
Development:
• Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson: Mr Reggie Ngcobo, 0662980980 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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