On Friday, 26 August 2022, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit rescued seven dogs from dog fighting in Tafelsig.
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In 2021, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement announced that they are joining forces in a quest to eradicate dog fighting 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 By-laws, 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.
Reportedly the team received a tip-off earlier in the day and responded swiftly to the dog fighting, which took place behind the Swartklip Indoor Sports Centre in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
According to the Animal Control Unit, the culprits were all minors between the ages of 15 and 17. The team rescued a total of 7 dogs, which were still young and in the process of being trained for fighting.
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA expressed his dejection by saying: “Dog fighting 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.” He was stunned that the culprits were minors, questioning: “What is happening to our society?”
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The Chief Inspector said that charges of dog fighting will now be laid against the culprits at the South African Police Service in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
In addition, the SPCA applauds the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit’s swift response and assistance to the SPCA.
The City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith condemned the incident and its cruel nature.
“Dog fighting is not a sport or entertainment. It’s cruel and 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,” said Smith.
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” dog fighting pit to create awareness surrounding dog fighting.
According to the SPCA, the “dummy” dog fighting pit drew a lot of attention from passing onlookers, with many being shocked and horrified that this bloodsport was happening.
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Dog fighting is against the law in South Africa. The City’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit notified that any person found guilty of any involvement in dog fighting is liable for a fine of R80 000 or imprisonment of up to 24 months with a criminal record.
They also exhorted that 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.
Furthermore, it is illegal to buy, sell or import these animals, said the City’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit.
Moreover, it is a criminal offence to incite, encourage or allow any animal to attack another animal or start a fight for monetary gain or entertainment, concludes the City.
How can you report any act of illegal dog fighting?
Cruelty reports can be made in strict confidence by email: [email protected] or telephonically by calling 021 700 4158/9 (office hours) or report cruelty online via the website at https://capespca.co.za/report-cruelty/ or by calling 083 326 1604 (after hours).
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Picture: SPCA