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Cape Town — A dog owner faces charges under the animal by-law after his pit bull mauled two elderly women and two dogs on the Sea Point promenade yesterday morning.

Ward councillor Jacques Weber said the pair, believed to be in their late 70s, have been taken to the New Somerset Hospital after being treated at the scene by two doctors passing by.

Weber said it was unclear whether the dog had broken free of his leash or if he had been roaming without one.

“According to witness reports, the dog ran after and attacked a Maltese poodle at about 09:45. The owner then tried to intervene, leading to the pit bull biting her arm,” he said.

“Her companion tried to step in, but she too was bitten. The pit bull then ran off and bit another dog.”

Weber confirmed the owner eventually got the pit bull under control.

The bite wounds the women sustained were “deep, but they will not lose their arms” and the two  injured dogs — one injured in the upper body and the other sustaining a broken leg — were both taken to the vet.

“Witness reports were collected at the scene and the pit bull owner will be charged according to the animal by-law, whereafter a magistrate will decide the way forward,” Weber said. — AFP