The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) welcomes the judgment handed down in the Nigel Regional Court on Monday, February 5, finding all 17 men guilty of their involvement in dog fighting – an illegal and deviant criminal activity.
In November 2013, the NSPCA responded to information about an organised dog fight being held in Tsakane, Ekhuruleni, resulting in the arrest of 18 suspects and the rescue of 14 grievously injured dogs.
Handing down judgement, the presiding magistrate pointed out gaping holes in the accused’s argument and version of events, in contrast to state witnesses who were “logical, clear, concise, honest and responsible”, and stated that he considered dog fighting to be a very sick form of entertainment.
“We are thankful and appreciative that these criminals have been found guilty for their participation in this heinous crime,” said senior inspector Wendy Willson, manager of the NSPCA’s special investigations unit. “It has been a trying four years filled with numerous challenges to get this case finalised, but we did not, and would never, relent until justice was served for these dogs.”
Sentencing is scheduled for 18 April.
*Press release supplied by: Wendy Willson, special investigations unit manager, NSPCA.
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