'My dogs aren't vicious'
2007-09-12 09:02
Roodepoort - The owner of three large dogs that attacked a domestic worker from Roodepoort and a four-month-old puppy, said her dogs are "not vicious".
Priscilla Stein, 60, from Florida said she loved the two Rottweilers and a boerboel who attacked Nice Beka, 48, a domestic worker, and Roxy, a Jack Russell bitch.
Beka was taking Fred Rademeyer, 59, and his wife Susan's dog for her daily walk on Monday when the three large dogs attacked.
Stein, who has been living in the house for the past six years, has had the dogs for more than nine years. She believed it was "good" if people were afraid of the dogs.
She said it was the first time her dogs had attacked anyone.
The dogs were acquired to protect the family against crime.
"The dogs got excited when they saw her dog (the puppy). That's when they stormed through the gate."
Stein denied that the gate was broken or tied with a coat hanger.
"It's a nightmare and we're sorry that it happened. Many other people, even those doing deliveries, have walked in here without the dogs attacking them."
Stein said she would not get rid of her beloved dogs.
Police spokesperson captain Joseph Mogoai said a warning statement must still be obtained from Stein.
As soon as police had obtained the statements and finished the investigation, the case would be referred to the director of public prosecutions for a decision.
The police said the court would decide about Stein's dogs.
Beka had to receive five injections and several stitches to wounds in her right thumb, wrist, left forearm and face.
Rademeyer said x-rays were taken of Roxy and "she fortunately had no broken bones".
One of her back legs might be injured and she was still walking with a limp while being treated at a local animal clinic. She might be discharged later this week.