Seven dogs have been rescued from dogfighting in Tafelsig. Picture: Supplied
Cape Town - In an effort to eliminate dogfighting in Cape Town, the Animal Control Unit rescued seven dogs from the blood sport that was taking place behind the Swartklip Indoor Sports Centre in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
The perpetrators were minors, aged between 15 and 17. The team received a tip-off of how the dogs were young and were being trained for combat.
The City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit responded swiftly and with assistance from the SPCA, charges of dogfighting were laid against the culprits at the SAPS in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said that the consensus around dogfighting is cruel and illegal and those who participate in it lack basic humanity.
“Dogfighting is not a sport or entertainment. 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 wilfully with the maximum penalty,” said Smith.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse added that dogfighting is illegal in South Africa and a person found guilty of any involvement in dogfighting is liable for a fine of R80 000 and/or imprisonment of up to 24 months with a criminal record.
“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?
“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 it is being on the same property where dogfighting is taking place,” said Pieterse.
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