In response to the Springs school at which children were found imitating dog fights, the Addie took a look at a report printed by the NSPCA last year about dog fighting in South Africa.
Dog fighting can be defined as a sadistic “contest” in which two dogs are placed in a small arena to fight for the entertainment of spectators and for gambling purposes.
There are three dog fighting categories:
Street level: This takes place in the owner’s immediate environment and is usually linked to gang activities where people boast about their dogs’ strength and fighting abilities.
As a hobby: Dogs of average ability are purchased and entered into local and regional matches, with the objective of regaining the purchase price through bets.
Professional: This is the most sophisticated of the three categories. Dogs are chosen and bought based on bloodlines and vast amounts of money are invested by owners in the breeding, training and fighting of their dogs.
The results are always the same in the three categories – dogs with broken bones, loss of blood, horrific wounds and often death.
Inspector Wendy Wilson from the NSPCA says this form of violence is accepted and watched by spectators who include children, who are often taken along to these fights by enthusiasts who view this violent and bloody sport as a family event.
According to the report virtually all children in high-crime urban areas and informal settlements are exposed to dog fighting.
Exposure to this routine of animal abuse contributes to the children’s later manifestation and social deviance.
“Many of the dog fighters are teenagers, with younger children watching or actively participating in the fights,” says Wendy.
The reports states it is well-documented that, by exposing children to such cruel brutality and repeated violence, they become desensitised and tend to perpetuate that cycle of violence, as well as promoting insensitivity towards animals suffering.
The of securing successful convictions for dog fighting has its challenges due to its highly secretive and “undercover” nature.
She claims if these perpetrators are caught red-handed, there is always the problem of evidence going missing, as dog fighters infiltrate law enforcement and animal welfare organisations.
Often dog fighters claim that it is part of their heritage or culture and these children growing up in this culture think it is normal.
The perception is that dog fighting is a ‘poor man’s sport’ where people who fight dogs do it for entertainment and illegal gambling.
The reality is that the people who promote, participate and are spectators are from all types of communities and backgrounds.
“Professional people including doctors, lawyers, religious people, police officials and teachers are involved in dog fighting,” says Wendy.
She concludes no matter how people perceive this, it is still a form of organised crime.
