Siphakeme .Mnindwa
ADDELIS Sibutha’s joy knew no bounds when she welcomed a seven-month-old Boerboel puppy into her life last July. The powerful breed promised companionship and, most importantly, a sense of security. Little did she know that this newfound protector would soon turn into a terrifying predator, its love inexplicably transforming into unbridled rage.
On November 24, the now 11-month-old dog, in a sudden and terrifying outburst, viciously mauled Sibutha. Deep lacerations and cuts marred her arms, legs, neck, ear, and head. The injuries were life-threatening, requiring four surgeries within a mere 20 days at Mater Dei Hospital. Confined to the hospital bed for nearly a month, the former Director in the Deputy Prime Minister’s office during the Government of National Unity era finally returned home just days before Christmas, her ordeal a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of even the most cherished companions.
“I fought the dog, calling upon God to save me. I cannot thank God enough for sending His holy angels to be with me throughout this period. I am truly grateful to God, our Greatest Physician, Healer, and Restorer for saving and healing me. I have seen the Hand of God at work in my life. I will praise the Lord for the rest of my life,” Sibutha wrote as she relived her ordeal while thanking her maker through her Facebook page.
Contacted by Saturday Chronicle this week, Sibutha, who is still recovering at home, said her dog, which was immediately put down by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) following the attack, had shown no prior signs of aggression.
“I suspect it may have lost some memory,” she said.
Nhlanhla Bahlangene Dube, a respected Boerboel breeder, stressed the importance of understanding the circumstances leading to the attack.
“However, as a general rule, I would not recommend purchasing a mature dog unless one is an experienced handler. Lead your dog and be firm with instructions. Be deliberate with what you are raising your dog for, whether as a family pet or for security. Don’t keep your dog chained up or locked away if it’s a family pet.
“Don’t beat up your puppy as it may snap and attack an innocent child or elderly person later when it sees them holding a stick and thinks it’s going to get hit. Don’t make too many abrupt changes in behaviour around your dog. Avoid leaving children and the elderly in the company of dogs they’re not familiar with.”
Boerboels are renowned for their size and strength, with males typically larger than females. The powerful dogs possess a strong territorial instinct and thrive under firm, authoritative guidance. They are creatures of habit, and their memory can be short, making sudden surprises particularly challenging for them. Moreover, Boerboels have a potent attack drive, making it incredibly difficult to stop them once an attack begins.
“It is always helpful to purchase a big dog as a puppy, see its parentage, and ask questions about their temperament. This helps to a point, although dogs will vary in temperament. Better bonds are best formed with dogs that are brought into the family space as puppies and raised as pets. Big dogs like Boerboels need a lot of space to run and burn their large doses of energy because they were traditionally bred for farm work,” said Dube.
He said all big dogs are best with experienced handlers and large spaces. In small spaces, like in an urban environment, the dogs must be leashed and walked regularly.
“Most dogs were bred for a purpose such as animal herding qualities like German Shepherds, farm protection like the Boerboel, dog fighting like Pitbulls, or hunting like bloodhounds, which are very good with scent trailing. Dog intelligence differs as much as individual characters differ,” said Dube.
For first-time dog owners, Dube said depending on what they want the dog for, they must first investigate the breeding of the dog as this will help with approximating character and temperament when mature. Researching about dogs and interacting closely with their puppy is also crucial.
“Dogs love attention, and if it’s a family dog, make sure that everyone is involved in raising, bonding, and interacting. Ultimately, start with dogs with easier characters. Every dog is generally trainable within its range of intelligence,” said Dube.
Dog master from the Canine section in Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS), Superintendent Robert Mangena, said Boerboels are aggressive dogs.
“Most of the time people keep them without any obedience training, so when agitated they know no command, resulting in these unfortunate attack incidents,” said Mangena.
He said that ZPCS does not breed and use Boerboels despite being good guard dogs because they are not swift in chasing as they develop obesity. He said a breed like German shepherd must be kept in a cage and released at night.
Animal health expert Dr Clifford Tshuma from the Veterinary Services department said dog owners must always be on the lookout for signs of disease, particularly rabies as this causes dogs to be aggressive.
“The first symptoms of rabies, called prodrome, may be like the flu, including weakness, discomfort, fever, or headache. There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. The dog may also show disdain towards water. What is also important is that for any dog bite, one must never think twice about going to the hospital,” said Dr Tshuma.
SPCA animal welfare officer, Berry Oosthuizen, commenting after the death of John Gavhera of Selbourne Park in Bulawayo who was mauled by his two Boerboel dogs in 2022, said pet lovers should not keep aggressive dogs without first understanding their behaviour and temperament. She said dogs that usually attack people are Boerboels largely because most dog keepers don’t understand the breed.
“These dogs are not a breed that is supposed to be locked in small cages or kept in small properties because this is what makes them aggressive. They get frustrated and this is why they end up biting people. No dogs are born aggressive, but are only made aggressive by people who don’t properly understand them. Educating the public on how to keep dogs properly is what is needed,” she said.
Oosthuizen said isolating dogs from humans is another factor contributing to dogs’ aggressiveness.
“All dogs need to be socialised with their families, but sadly a lot of these dogs are locked up in cages and not allowed to see anybody and when they do, that is when they get aggressive,” she said.
Aspiring dog owners can also utilise by-laws on dog handling and control from the local authority that they reside in.
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