A suspect was arrested for dogfighting as the community of Hanover Park rallied together to save animals from further harm.
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This after the Cape of Good Hope SPCA were called to the scene earlier this week, arresting a suspect who had already been apprehended by the community.
It was determined by Inspector Lwazi Ntungele, who was dispatched to the scene, that most of the suspects were teenagers who had fled the scene.
Belinda Abraham of the SPCA said that they had determined that the dog had been used regularly for fighting.
‘It was evident that this is not the first time this dog was used for dogfighting. The dog was taken to a 24-hour veterinary practice for immediate examination and treatment,’ she said.
Abraham said the suspect was taken into police custody and would be facing charges in terms of Section 2A of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
‘The SPCA is following up on leads to trace the rest of the suspects, so that they can also be arrested and charged. We are appealing to the public to please come forward with information by calling us on 021 700 4158/9 or emailing [email protected],’ she added.
‘Reports can be made anonymously.’
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Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, of the Cape of Good SPCA, said it had been the community’s combined efforts that led to the arrest and positive outcome.
‘We are heartened by the actions of this community. It’s truly inspiring to see a community come together with a united purpose to put an end to the cruel and illegal activity of dogfighting,’ he said.
‘This collective effort demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare and a desire to create a safer and more compassionate environment for both animals and people.’
Abraham said she wanted to remind people that dogfighting was illegal in South Africa.
‘A person found guilty for any involvement in dogfighting is liable for a fine of R80 000 and/or imprisonment of up to 24 months with a criminal record,’ she explained.
‘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 on the same property where dogfighting is taking place.’
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Picture: Good Hope SPCA