Teenagers faces criminal charges after 7 dogs rescued in M/Plain following tip-off of dogfighting

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement: Animal Control Unit rescued 7 dogs from dog fighting in Mitchell's Plain on Friday.

PICTURE: Cape of Good Hope SPCA


The team received a tip-off about The dogfighting that took place behind the Swartklip Indoor Sports Centre in Tafelsig. The culprits, all teenagers between 15 and 17, are now facing charges of dogfighting, under the Animals Protection Act.

In a joint statement, it was revealed that all of the dogs were still young and in the process of being trained for fighting.

PICTURE: Cape of Good Hope SPCA


“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.

 Dogfighting is 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. 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,” read the statement.

“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.”

According to the City, it is a crime to watch dogfighting as is being on the same property where dogfighting is taking place.

The City's Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith has condemned the incident.

“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 willfully with the maximum penalty.”

Done By: Mitchum George

Comments

Popular Posts