The Good Hope SPCA has welcomed the sentencing of the main culprit linked to a dogfighting incident in Atlantis last year.
Also read: Owner charged with animal cruelty in connection to dogfighting
Last week, 45-year-old Rupert Alberts pleaded guilty to charges of animal fighting in terms of Section 2A of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for 5 years. He was also declared unfit to own or be in charge of any animal.
The sentence comes following the arrest of three suspects in October, when SPCA inspectors and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit confiscated four dogs in Atlantis.
Upon arrival, Cape of Good Hope SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse and Inspector Mark Syce discovered two dogs actively fighting and suspects attempting to flee the scene. The severely injured dogs were taken for veterinary treatment for multiple lacerations and puncture wounds.
“We will fight until the very end for justice to be served for the animals we serve and protect. Dogfighting is cruel and barbaric and has no place in our modern society” said Pieterse, subsequent to last week’s sentencing.
The SPCA paid a R5000 reward to the informant this week after the culprit was successfully prosecuted.
In a statement, the SPCA said that it takes immense courage to report instances of animal fighting and expressed its gratitude to those who do come forward. “Courage and the bravery to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves are the two most powerful weapons we have in our dogfighting arsenal,” read the statement.
“We extend our sincerest gratitude to the City of Cape Town’s Animal Control Unit for their commitment to the fight against dogfighting as well as our corporate partner Medinox for their unwavering support in sponsoring our efforts.”
“We are grateful to every individual who stands in solidarity with victims of dogfighting, thank you for fighting alongside us every single day. Dogfighting must stop and we can’t do it without you.”
Dogfighting is an inhumane blood-sport where dogs, who have been bred, conditioned and trained to fight, are pitted against each other to fight. In most cases, dog fights are for spectator entertainment and financial gain. “Dogfighting is a thriving underground crime that may be happening in your community without you even knowing about it!” the SPCA added.
Also read:
Three suspects arrested in Strand, Cape Town for dogfighting
Picture: Supplied / Good Hope SPCA
