The 18 accused, aged between 22 and 48 are facing charges in terms of the Animal Protection Act No 71 of 1962 section 24.
The suspects were arrested last year when police closed down a dog fighting ring in Tsakane.
They were all in court hoping that Tuesday was their first day for the start of their trial but instead, Magistrate John Voogte postponed the case.
Giving the reasons for the case’s postponement, Voogte agreed to the application of a new sitting arrangement or another courtroom where all the suspects would be able to sit down during the trial procedures as proposed by the suspects’ legal representatives.
The case was then postponed until May 26 and Voogte emphasised that all the suspects are expected to be in court on that date. Their bail was extended.
He warned that failure to appear in court on the day will lead to a warrant of arrest being issued.
