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The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development says the government is working on new laws to protest South Africans against pit bull attacks.
It says the new amendment act would ensure that pet owners are held accountable for whatever damages caused by "power dogs and other animals".
A recent spate of deadly attacks by pit bulls has seen renewed calls for the animals to be banned.
The department’s Reggie Ngcobo says Minister Thoko Didiza met with the Sizwe Kupelo Foundation after they handed over a petition, signed by 139 000, asking for pit bulls to be banned in the country.
"She indicated to the meeting that there is work that the government is currently doing to resolve the issue associated with this type of animal. Amongst the work that is currently underway is the comprehensive DNA analysis of pit bull and pit bull-type dogs, to assist with the correct identification of problem animals unique to South Africa.
"This exercise will also investigate aggression behaviour and will assist in identifying the pit bull and pit bull type dogs that may be developed through indiscriminate cross-breeding."
