RABID DOG BITES VOLUNTEER IN UMGENI PARK

The animal welfare organisation urges pet owners to take vaccination against rabies for their dogs more seriously.

A dog that was rescued on Brown’s Drift Road in Umgeni Park last week tested positive for rabies on Monday.

Kerry Janke, founder of SAFE Animal Rescue and Fostering Network, shared that they were called out at 6:30 AM on February 27 by a motorist who reported a dog had been run over by a car.

“One of our inspectors, Shaun Janke, responded immediately and noticed the dog displaying neurological signs commonly associated with rabies. While attempting to secure the dog, he was bitten,” she explained.

Kerry added that the day before the rescue, the same dog had attempted to bite a woman and her colleague when they tried to feed it.

“They were trying to feed the dog in an effort to bring it into their workplace for help. Fortunately, they were not bitten,” she said.

The dog was taken to Ashburn Vet, where the symptoms raised concerns, and it was put down before being sent to the State Vet for testing.

“We received the results on Monday confirming the dog was positive for rabies. Shaun is fully vaccinated, as we regularly handle rabid dogs. His rabies immunity test results came back yesterday, and thankfully, his immunity levels are high, so he doesn’t need any further vaccinations,” Kerry explained.

She emphasised the importance of ensuring that dogs are vaccinated against rabies, as the disease is fatal.

“Despite the wealth of information available about rabies and its dangers, and the numerous free rabies clinics held throughout Durban, many people are still not taking this issue seriously enough,” she said.

“There is a free rabies clinic starting this week across north Durban for both cats and dogs. Please make sure to get your pets vaccinated—it could save both your and your animal’s life. Rabies is 100% fatal for both humans and animals, but it is also 100% preventable,” she urged.