Inform your security of dogs
Ever considered how it must feel like when entering a property for an emergency, and being faced with a vicious dog?
While many homeowners in South Africa have guard dogs as a security measure, they can pose difficulties for security companies tasked with protecting the property.
Every month private security companies report incidents where reaction officers have been bitten by dogs and, in some cases, ended up in ICU.
Following a dog bite, officers often develop a fear of dogs and are hesitant to enter any premises where there may be dogs.
“Our Zero Harm Campaign is focused on the protection of our reaction officers as well as the environment at all times.
“In line with this endeavour, I appeal to homeowners who own guard dogs to inform their security company about these beloved pets,” says Roy Rawlins, MD of ADT.
He adds that they rely on their clients to tell them whether they have dogs, especially vicious dogs, at their premises.
“Our officers are trained to a certain extent to deal with vicious dogs, however, the safety of our officers is a priority, as is the safety of your family pets.”
Rawlins says dog bites are especially prevalent in South Africa.
“The NSPCA is aware of the problem and have posted a section on their website specifically on dog bite prevention,” he says.
According to the website, both children and adults are unaware of the behaviour required to avoid being bitten by a dog or how to behave safely around dogs.
The website also mentions how the SPCA attempts to focus their efforts on educating owners or potential dog adopters, conducting basic “home checks” to ensure the property is suitable and secure, and that the owners are aware of the responsibility involved in taking on a dog.
“However, it states that an increase in knowledge does not necessarily translate into a change in behaviour, and emphasises the need for dogs to be socialised, given basic training and to have ongoing regular contact with humans.”
The NSPCA believes that a two-pronged approach must be used, which involves education to avoid dog bites and ensuring responsible ownership.
“Please remember to constantly update your security company if you have a guard dog, have just got a new dog or perhaps your puppy has grown up and now poses a threat to our officers,” adds Rawlins.
Once informed, they will either update your profile immediately, or they will visit your property, asses the situation, make recommendations and then update your profile accordingly.
