Dog attacks on horses raise concerns

There has been a growing number of dog attacks on horses in the Noordhoek wetlands and beach areas posing serious risks to both animals and riders, says the Noordhoek Riding Club

“There have been several reports of significant attacks in the past few months. This poses a serious safety risk, not only to horses and their riders but also to the dogs initiating the attacks,” the club said in a statement.

The situation had escalated from dogs merely chasing horses to more severe incidents involving physical attacks, said club committee member Jenny Mauchan.

"Horses, as prey animals, will run if they feel threatened. While some incidents involve dogs simply chasing horses, we are now seeing more cases where dogs are physically attacking and biting them.“

The rising number of incidents - at least one per week, according to Ms Mauchan - has led to increased vigilance among riders, who are now more cautious and proactive in warning others about aggressive dogs.

“On the beach, riders have the advantage of spotting dogs from a distance and can slow down to avoid trouble. However, the wetlands present a different challenge, as dogs can approach horses unexpectedly, leading to dangerous situations,” said Ms Mauchan.

"We've had incidents where horses have reared up, causing riders to fall, and horses to run home, sometimes across busy roads."

Her daughter, Gabby, experienced a traumatic incident when her horse was attacked by a dog near the soccer fields.

“Gabby had slowed down as she approached a lady walking dogs, but one of the dogs began biting her horse's legs. The horse panicked, reared up, and Gabby fell off, causing the horse to run home alone across a busy road. The dog continued chasing the horse for some distance,” she said.

Fortunately, the dog's owner was responsive and took responsibility for the damages, including vet bills for the injured horse and medical care for Gabby, who sustained bruises and a sprained joint from the fall, Ms Mauchan said.

However, she noted, not all incidents ended as well.

Ingrid Altmann, a Noordhoek resident and horse owner, stressed the importance of mutual respect in shared spaces.

"Dogs literally come running at the horses and attack them," said Ms Altmann, adding that it could lead to horses bucking or kicking, potentially harming the attacking dog.

If a rider landed awkwardly in a subsequent fall, it could result in serious injury or even death, she said.

The club is urging both dog owners and riders to take precautions. It asks dog owners to keep their pets leashed in areas frequented by horses and avoid those areas altogether if the dogs are prone to chasing.

Riders are advised to stick to designated horse areas and be mindful of their surroundings.

The club is working with SANParks to enforce regulations and check activity cards for both dog walkers and horse riders. It is also helping to improve signage and provide maps outlining horse areas on the beach and in the wetlands.

"There are regulations in place, but the challenge is ensuring they are followed," Ms Mauchan said. "We need to work together to ensure everyone's safety. Respecting each other's space and following the rules will make a big difference.“