The Congress of South African Trade Unions is concerned by the number of children, workers and individuals who are being mauled by pit bulls and in some incidents, killed. This is becoming a problem that needs the attention of government authorities. The recent killing of a 3-year-old child in the Free State follows the mauling of a domestic worker and a farmworker last year.

We support the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation’s petition calling for these vicious animals to be banned.  This call for a ban on pit bulls has been supported by the National Council of Societies for the Protection and Care of Animals (SPCAs). 

Pitbulls have been genetically bred over many generations across the world for their propensity to violence.  This has spawned an industry of illegal breeders and dog fighting syndicates run by gangs in some areas.

This has resulted in many countries after experiencing similar traumatic incidents to ban such breeds.  South Africa now needs to follow suit.  This is necessary to protect children, workers, and society at large, as well as other animals near pit bulls that are at permanent risk of attack and serious injury from them.

Issued by COSATU   

Sizwe Pamla (Cosatu National Spokesperson)
Tel: 011 339 4911
Fax: 011 339 5080
Cell: 060 975 6794