Importance of Responsible Pet Ownership and Legal Action in Cases of Harm

1 min read
responsible pet ownership legal action Cape Town

Recent events have brought to light the importance of responsible pet ownership and seeking legal action in cases of harm caused by pets. The case of Micayla Marshall, who was awarded nearly R100,000 in damages after struggling with PTSD for nine years due to a dog attack, highlights the potential emotional and physical harm inflicted by dogs.

The Siberian Husky Attack

Marshall and her sister attended a social gathering at the defendant’s home in January 2014 when a Siberian husky lunged and bit both of her forearms. This attack caused physical pain and led to PTSD, which still affects Marshall today. She also experiences anxiety when encountering dogs while rollerblading.

Damages Awarded by the Western Cape High Court

Judge Deidré Kusevitsky awarded Marshall R50,000 in general damages, R37,567.61 for past medical expenses, and R4,620 for future medical treatment. The damages will be sought from the defendant whose home the incident occurred at. The case was reopened after the defendant failed to pay the full amount owed for Marshall’s medical bills.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Responsible pet ownership includes training, socialization, and proper containment to prevent harm to others. In the case of the Siberian husky attack, the defendant failed to properly restrain the dog, leading to the attack on Marshall.

Pet Owners’ Responsibility

Pet owners must take responsibility for their pets’ actions and ensure they do not cause harm to others. In this case, the defendant failed to take responsibility for the attack and offered to pay only a portion of Marshall’s medical bills, leading to legal action.

Pets can bring joy and companionship to our lives, but with that comes the responsibility to ensure their behavior does not harm others. By being responsible pet owners and seeking legal action in cases of harm caused by pets, we can prevent future incidents like the one experienced by Micayla Marshall.

Environmentalist and Outdoor Enthusiast. Amanda is a nature-loving, energetic, and enthusiastic environmentalist who has dedicated her life to exploring and protecting Cape Town's stunning natural landscapes. She is an experienced hiker, wildlife enthusiast, and advocate for sustainable tourism.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

The Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award: Honoring Female Entrepreneurs Globally

Next Story

The Thabo Bester Prison Escape Case: Latest Developments

Latest from Blog

Empowering Migrant Children in South Africa through the ChommY Initiative

South Africa is home to the largest population of child migrants on the continent, with an estimated 642,000 migrant children residing within its borders. The Department of Social Development, in partnership with USAID, seeks to address the challenges faced by this vulnerable population through the ChommY program.

Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Budget: Promoting Growth and Progress

Cape Town is currently undergoing an exciting transformation in its urban mobility landscape, with the Urban Mobility Budget serving as a driving force for a more connected and thriving metropolis. Spearheaded by the Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Mobility, Councillor Rob Quintas, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Mobility Budget has been tabled for 2023/2024 to 2025/2026. This budget aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure by focusing on essential elements such as maintenance, congestion relief, public transport, and smart mobility.

Accelerating Sanitation Delivery in the Western Cape: The Role of the Provincial Sanitation Task Team

The Western Cape Provincial Sanitation Task Team (PSTT) is a Department of Water and Sanitationled initiative that aims to provide adequate and equitable sanitation to the citizens of the Western Cape. In this article, we will take a closer look at the PSTT’s role in accelerating sanitation delivery in the region, including its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 target and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 vision.