An increasing number of dog attacks on horses in the wetlands and beach areas of Noordhoek has raised concerns among residents as this poses serious risks to animals and riders, Cape {town} Etc reports.
‘There have been several reports of significant attacks in the past few months. This poses a serious safety risk, not only to horses and their riders but also to the dogs initiating the attacks,’ the Noordhoek Riding Club said in a statement made on Facebook.
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Incidents have escalated from dogs that chase horses to more ‘severe incidents involving physical attacks’, according to Jenny Mauchan, Noordhoek Riding Club committee member.
‘Horses, as prey animals, will run if they feel threatened. While some incidents involve dogs simply chasing horses, we are now seeing more cases where dogs are physically attacking and biting them,’ said Mauchen.
Mauchan has claimed that the rising numbers of attacks, at least ‘one per week’, has resulted in awareness and vigilance among riders in terms of being cautious and warning others of aggressive dogs, according to the False Bay Echo.
‘On the beach, riders have the advantage of spotting dogs from a distance and can slow down to avoid trouble. However, the wetlands present a different challenge, as dogs can approach horses unexpectedly, leading to dangerous situations,’ said Mauchan.
‘We’ve had incidents where horses have reared up, causing riders to fall, and horses to run home, sometimes across busy roads,’ Mauchan added.
Furthermore, Mauchan recounted an incident where her daughter, Gabby, experienced such an incident while riding.
‘Gabby had slowed down as she approached a lady walking dogs, but one of the dogs began biting her horse’s legs,’ said Mauchan.
‘The horse panicked, reared up, and Gabby fell off, causing the horse to run home alone across a busy road. The dog continued chasing the horse for some distance,’ Mauchan added.
The dog’s owner was responsive and took full responsibility for any damages caused.
This included veterinarian bills for the injured horse and Gabby’s medical care, who sustained bruises and a sprained joint from falling off, said Mauchan.
Ingrid Altmann, Noordhoek resident and horse owner, emphasised the importance of ‘mutual respect in shared spaces’.
‘Dogs literally come running at the horses and attack them,’ said Ms Altmann.
Altmann added that this could lead to horses kicking or bucking, that can cause potential harm to dogs.
If a rider would land awkwardly after a fall, it could result in serious injury or death, according to Altmann.
The club has urged dog owners and riders to take necessary precautions, asking dog owners to keep their pets leashed in areas where horses frequent and avoid those areas altogether if the dogs are ‘prone to chasing’.
In turn, riders are advised to remain at designated horse areas, as well as being mindful of their surroundings.
The club has collaborated with SANParks to ‘enforce regulations and check activity cards’ for both dog walkers and horse riders.
This is to help improve signage and provide maps that outline horse areas on the beach and wetlands.
‘There are regulations in place, but the challenge is ensuring they are followed,’ said Mauchan.
‘We need to work together to ensure everyone’s safety. Respecting each other’s space and following the rules will make a big difference,’ Mauchan added.
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Picture: Erns Grundling / GO! / Gallo Images