DURBAN - The woman who was viciously attacked by a pack of four dogs two weeks ago cried as she thanked the Kloof and Highway SPCA field officer who saved her life by risking his own safety to chase the dogs away.
The Mercury reported last week that field officer Philani Nzama was conducting his duties in the Savannah Park area in Pinetown and was on his way back when he saw the woman being attacked by three dogs.
While Kloof SPCA previously reported that there were three dogs involved, an update on its Facebook page yesterday indicated that there were four dogs.
During the attack, Nzama chased the dogs away by using his control pole. He ensured that the dogs’ owner transported the seriously injured woman to hospital.
The owner agreed that the dogs involved in the attack should be humanely euthanised. Testing by the state vet revealed that one of the dogs had rabies.
Kloof SPCA manager Barbara Patrick and inspector Brigitte Ferguson accompanied Nzama to the hospital to visit the woman. They brought her new pyjamas, toiletries and treats from the staff to ensure the woman, known only to The Mercury as Ntombizonke, would be more comfortable.
“When they arrived at the hospital, field officer Philani immediately recognised his new friend in the ward and learnt her name was Ntombizonke, and her daughter Soneni was also visiting,” said Patrick.
Patrick said Ntombizonke’s daughter had been searching for her mother and had found her in hospital last Wednesday, a week after the attack.
“Ntombizonke cried as she spoke to field officer Philani, thanking him for saving her life. Her daughter sobbed quietly,” said Patrick.
Ntombizonke has had surgery on her arm and would require more surgery and a skin graft, said Patrick.
“We are happy she is receiving the best care in the hospital. She will be opening a case with the SAPS once she is a bit stronger.”
Patrick said that while the SPCA was grateful that Nzama saved Ntombizonke, their concern was the possible far-reaching consequences of the rabid dog.
“Who else could (the dog) have been in contact with, bitten and infected had we not taken action?”
Kloof SPCA urged members of the public to make sure their pets were vaccinated against rabies as well as exercise caution when approaching stray animals.
“If you find a stray animal you are not familiar with, approach only if it is safe to do so and absolutely necessary.
“In the event of being bitten or scratched, immediately wash the area very well and flush under running water and immediately seek medical attention.”
Patrick warned that if a person was bitten or scratched by an animal that had no proof of vaccination, a costly course of rabies vaccination treatment would be required.
“Rabies is fatal and the threat of it should not be taken lightly. We strongly advise against keeping any stray animals with the rising threat of rabies.”
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