DOG ATTACK…. OWNERS SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE

Regarding the article on page two of the Village Talk dated 12 February 2021 ‘Dog Attack’.

To the best of my knowledge it is a national law that all dogs, when outside a property, should be on a lead and as an owner of these animals, you are responsible for their actions.

If your dog should attack another dog that is on a lead you are responsible for any costs, and if your dog should run in front of a motor vehicle, and whether it is run over damaging the vehicle or there is damage to the vehicle caused through your negligence, you are responsible for any costs of repairs etc.

I have trained my dogs not to leave my property without a lead on.

People, take responsibility for your animals

There has been so much talk about the Howick municipality: let me add more. Last Friday I took my companion to swim at the municipal pool. We arrived and the gates were bolted so no access was allowed

We heard talking and sitting on a blue plastic mattress were two security guards - very smartly dressed in black jerseys with an embroidered logo.

When I asked why the gates were locked, one said there was no swimming allowed because of “no money for chemicals”.

The reason for this letter is to point out that Howick ratepayers are funding two salaries for security personnel who are guarding the pool, which is locked and barred. Unfortunately I never asked when last it was opened.

DIANA LOUGHOR-CLARKE AMBER VALLEY

uMngeni Municipality responds: It is a well-known reality that the coronavirus pandemic has thrown the undertaking of certain operations, viewed as super-spreaders of the Covid-19 virus, into turmoil, especially with regards to the continued alterations in the lockdown alert levels.

The functionality of the Howick swimming pool was affected by these amendments, largely aimed at curbing Covid-19 super-spreaders.

The municipality has been undertaking minor maintenance work at the swimming pool and while the pool has not been operational, it is important to ensure it is guarded to restrict illegal access and misuse.

The Technical Services Unit is finalising the abovementioned maintenance work and the pool will be operational with the next two weeks.