Rottweiler saves toddler

2008-08-27 08:27

André Damons

Johannesburg - A Rottweiler probably saved a toddler's life, when it took on an American Pit Bull Terrier that was attacking the child.

Tshepang Taeli, 2, was grabbed by the Pit Bull as he and his grandmother, Ma Sam Taeli, 66, and her employer's child were walking down Swartberg Avenue in Oakdene, south of Johannesburg, at about 18:15 on Monday.

The dog grabbed him by his left leg and dragged him about 30m down the road.

The dog was apparently walking around the streets unsupervised and suddenly attacked little Tshepang.

"I just began crying and screaming because I couldn't stop the dog," Taeli said.

Dog wouldn't let go

Tshepang was bitten several times on his legs, groin, face and stomach. He received stitches for three of the wounds to his face.

Swartberg Avenue residents heard Taeli's screams and ran outside to help her and her grandchild. People kicked and beat the dog but nothing could make him let go of Tshepang.

Ricky Veludo, 21, who also lives in the street, said he went to fetch his Rottweiler, named Blade.

"Blade is very protective. He fought the other dog to free the child."

The pit bull only let go of Tshepang when Blade attacked it. Other residents then rushed the boy to hospital.

Badly traumatised

He was later transferred to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, where he is in a stable condition.

When Beeld visited the hospital on Tuesday, Tshepang was badly traumatised and still terrified. His eyes were filled with tears and he sobbed.

A witness, Jan Lewis, said the pit bull's owner had seen the attack but had done nothing to stop the dog.

The pit bull's owner did not wish to speak to Beeld on Tuesday.

Taeli's employer Lucia Molefe said she could not bear to think about the attack.

"It could have been my child. It's very bad. His (Tshepang's) blood was clearly visible in the street."

Police spokesperson Lorraine van Emmerik confirmed the attack and said it was under investigation.

- Beeld