BETTY’S BAY - The dog involved in Saturday’s incident after which a baboon had to be euthanized is described by its owner, Raymond Job, as harmless and loving. In the 11 years that Mr Job owned the dog, he says it has never been involved in a biting/fighting incident with either another animal or a person. According to a statement released by John Caroll of Judex Legal Consultants, Mr Job and his family have been traumatized by the incident resulting in the “unfortunate death of the baboon and injuries to his dog”. Mr Job is also very concerned about the unlawful repeated threats made by someone on the BB Baboon Action Facebook Group in the vein of “so the owner must be TAKEN OUT”. He is reserving his rights to lay criminal charges against this person. He also reserves his rights to bring a civil action against this person and/or the administrators of the website. According to the statement, Mr Job was not at home when the incident began, but it was witnessed by his wife and cousin. They heard a commotion in their yard where their 11-year old pitbull was enclosed. The cousin got up and saw the dog and baboon fighting. The statement points out that the fight originated in Mr Job’s fenced property. It was apparently confirmed by a neighbour that the baboon jumped over the fence into the yard. Mr Job became aware of the baboon in the neighbourhood for the first time the day before. It is further stated that Mr Job’s occupation takes him away from home a lot and the dog’s function is to protect the property, his wife and family when he is away. However, despite many regular visitors/workers who call on Mr Job there has never been a biting incident. Neighbours can also, according to the statement, testify to the good character of the dog. When Mr Job arrived on the scene he did apparently have a stick and a taser - he tried to use the taser, but according to the statement, it did not function. Mr Job was reluctant to try and separate the fighting pair in that he would quite likely suffer serious bite marks from either his dog or from the baboon. On examination afterwards by the local vet, the dog apparently had numerous bite marks and was also full of scratches. The incident and loss of blood left the dog weak and dehydrated. It is submitted by Mr Job’s legal consultant that the baboon’s entering of the enclosed yard was the prime cause of the unfortunate incident. He further states that as result of intimidating threats on social media, Mr Job is in fear for the safety of himself, his dog and his family. “It is a sad day when our society allows these vicious, unjustified threats to be posted uncensored on the social media websites,” according to the statement.
