As South Africans we are aware of, and reminded daily of Gender-Based Violence, the Pit Bull Federation of South Africa stands united against all forms of violence — towards women, children, and animals.
Our country has one of the highest GBV rates per capita in the world. Violence has become a devastating cycle, and it does not start in adulthood. It starts with what children see, what they learn, and what society normalises.
Animal cruelty is often the first red flag.
Too many pit bulls are subjected to horrifying acts of abuse because of the myth that “they are strong and don’t feel pain.”
This is unfounded and untrue.
Yes, the American Pit Bull Terrier has a high pain threshold and a determined nature — but they feel fear, stress, trauma, and pain just like any other living being.
When children grow up seeing animals — especially powerful breeds — being abused, hurt, or used as tools of intimidation, they learn that violence is a solution.
This same mentality feeds into gender-based violence, child abuse, and community violence.
Kindness must be taught.
Compassion must be modelled.
Respect must be shown — consistently and loudly.
If we want to break the cycles of GBV, we must start with the simple truth:
➡️ Children who learn empathy towards animals grow into adults who value life, respect others, and reject violence.
➡️ Adults who demonstrate compassion set the example for the next generation.
➡️ A society that protects its animals becomes a society that protects its women and children.
We call on South Africans to:
• Teach children gentle handling and respect for all animals
• Speak out when you see animal abuse
• Understand that the way we treat animals mirrors the way we treat one another
• Break the silence, break the cycle, break the belief that “violence is normal”
Let us build a South Africa where compassion is strength, kindness is taught early, and violence — in any form — is no longer tolerated.
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