The Pit Bull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA) is urging government authorities to implement stricter regulations on power breed ownership following the fatal mauling of a 28-year-old woman in Montclair, south of Durban.

The victim was walking on a public road when she was attacked and killed by three pit bulls that were roaming outside their property. She was laid to rest over the weekend.

Local media reports the woman identified as Nomathemba Kweleta was on her way back from buying groceries when the dogs surrounded her and attacked.

Passersby raised the alarm and tried to help, but Kweleta later succumbed to her injuries.

Following the incident, a security guard shot one dog and subsequently euthanised it at a centre for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals SPCA.

A second dog was captured a block away from the scene and was also later euthanised. The third dog remained at large at the time of the report.

SABC News reports the attack has re-opened discussions around municipal bylaws and the "specialised responsibility owners need to undertake when owning a power breed dog."

Lack of training

According to the PBFSA, public safety incidents linked to power breeds stem primarily from reckless ownership, improper containment, and unregulated breeding practices.

"Power breed dogs, like pit bulls, are not the pet for the average family," the federation stated, emphasising that these animals require strict physical management and experienced handling.

In response to growing calls from some civic groups for a total ban on the breed, PBFSA spokesperson Lehanda Rheeder argued that enforcement must focus on owner accountability and legal screening rather than blanket restrictions.

Rheeder stated that "there needs to be stricter regulation of who can own a pit bull," calling for municipal oversight to verify whether prospective owners have adequate facilities and training to contain high-drive breeds.