Seven dogs were rescued from the dogfighting ring… run by kids between the ages of 15 and 17.
Western Cape, South Africa (30 August 2022) – On Friday, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit rescued seven dogs from dogfighting in Tafelsig.
The team received a tip-off earlier in the day and responded swiftly. The dogfighting took place behind the Swartklip Indoor Sports Centre in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain. The culprits, all minors, were found to be between the ages of 15 and 17 years of age. A total of 7 dogs were rescued. All of the dogs were still young and in the process of being trained for fighting.
“Dogfighting cases always make my heart drop into my stomach. I cannot understand how any person can find pleasure in watching dogs rip each other apart. What is even scarier, these were minors! What is happening to our society?” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
Charges of dogfighting will now be laid against the culprits at the South African Police Service in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit is thanked for their swift response and assistance to the SPCA.
“Dogfighting is not a sport or entertainment,” said Alderman JP Smith, City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security. “It’s cruel, illegal, and those who participate are lacking in basic humanity. The law should punish those who inflict cruelty on any human or animal knowingly and willfully with the maximum penalty.”
On Sunday, 28 August 2022, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA created quite a stir at the Sea Point Promenade when the organisation set up a “dummy” dogfighting pit to create awareness surrounding dogfighting. The “dummy” dogfighting pit drew a lot of attention from passersby, many being shocked and horrified that this bloodsport is happening in modern society.
The law
Dogfighting is illegal in South Africa. A person found guilty of any dogfighting involvement is liable for a fine of R80,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 24 months with a criminal record.
It is a crime to be involved in any way with the fighting of animals or to own, keep, train or breed animals used for fighting. It is also illegal to buy, sell or import these animals. Moreover, it is a criminal offence to incite, encourage or allow any animal to attack another animal or proceed to fight. It is a crime to promote animal fighting for monetary gain or entertainment.
It is also considered a crime to allow any of these activities to take place on a property you own, live on or have control of. It is a crime to watch dogfighting, as is being on the same property where dogfighting is taking place.
Report any act of illegal dogfighting
Cruelty reports can be made in strict confidence by emailing inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za or telephonically by calling 021 700 4158/9 during office hours. You can also report cruelty online via our website at https://capespca.co.za/report-cruelty/ or by calling the after-hour number 083 326 1604.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement announced in early 2021 they are joining forces in a quest to eradicate dogfighting activities in Cape Town.
The partnership has joint responsibility with the SPCA as custodian of the Animal Protection Act and Law Enforcement as the custodian of the City Bylaws, which both govern and impact issues pertaining to dog fighting. The partnership also ensures a close working relationship to educate and raise awareness to stop dog fighting.
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