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Edenvale SPCA, with the assistance of Kempton Park’s EMPD SWAT Intervention Unit, cracked down on dogfighting after arresting two men.
The men believed to be connected to dog fighting were arrested on January 25 in Tembisa South.
Two dogs were confiscated and taken to Terrace Road Veterinary Hospital on the same day for treatment.
Inspector Jade Nel of Edenvale SPCA said although she could not provide the NEWS with specifics, the authorities had acted on a tip-off.
She thanks the EMPD officers who assisted the SPCA.
The men will be charged under the Animals Protection Act Section 2 A – Animal Fights.
“The presiding magistrate will decide the outcome if and when the matter goes to court.”
Nel explained that at least one incident of dog fighting is brought to the Edenvale SPCA’s attention every six months.
She said the number of reports started increasing in 2016.
“A lot still goes unnoticed as it is known to be an underground sport. We visit areas where we believe it occurs weekly.”
Nel explained that while in an area where dog fighting is suspected to be occurring, staff educate the community and conduct outreach programmes.
“We give out cards and speak to as many people as possible, as well as give educational talks at the schools, to get the word out there.
“It’s a matter of the right person being in the right place at the right time or having someone brave enough to report it.”
To further combat dog fighting, the SPCA works with law enforcement agencies like the EMPD.
“We have a great team at the intervention unit that assists us to get in and get the dogs, but each case is different.
“We offer rewards to people who will talk and lead us to the success of capturing the culprits and the dogs.”
Nel highlighted that the Edenvale branch works under the guidance of the NSPCA’s Special Investigations Unit.
She said in her experience, dog fighting is most common in informal settlements and occurs occasionally in urban areas.
“There have been no reports of dog fighting in Edenvale that the SPCA knows about. We have only ever had major issues in Tembisa.”
Nel said the organised dog fights are driven by money.
“It’s a sport like gambling, money is the root of all evil and people who need money will do anything.
“This [activity] is also gang-related and sets a presence of power.”
Nel said the culprits are getting younger, which she believes speaks volumes of how children are being raised.
To try to prevent dog fighting, Nel advised community members to not leave their dogs unattended in front gardens and to never let their animals escape the property.
“People connected to dog fighting take their time.”
Nel said the individuals befriend your dogs through your gates and will not hesitate to steal them.
“Children are often paid by others for stealing dogs.
“It’s not only power breeds community members must worry about, but small fluffy dogs and cats are also targeted.
“They steal unsterilised animals for breeding to fuel their trade. They will even pay your domestic worker or gardener to open the gates.”
Nel further explained that those connected to dog fighting will make use of the internet to find bait or fighting dogs.
“They troll websites like Facebook or Gumtree for ‘free to good home’ animals or cheap animals to use.”
Nel said, if possible, community members should lock their dogs up at night in a secure area.
“Do not leave your dog unattended in vehicles when you go shopping, as this makes them a target.”
Nel encouraged community members to report any activity they believe could be related to dog fighting.
Information that should be provided includes:
• Video/photo evidence which show the culprits’ faces.
• Names of the individuals.
• Locations and addresses.
Nel highlighted that all tip-offs remain anonymous and are kept confidential.
She said the SPCA needs good information.
“We need as much information as possible to speed up the process. We can charge the spectators as well as the people directly involved.
“This is never easy and can be dangerous, but it is the only way that we can bust these fights and charge these people properly.”
Nel advised community members to keep all emergency contact details of their nearest SPCA to contact it immediately.
“We caution people to be safe and never put their own lives at risk.”
She said when in doubt, contact NSPCA on 011 907 3590.
Quick Facts
The Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 Section 2 A, Animal Fights reads as follows:
Any person who:
1. possesses, keeps, imports, buys, sells, trains, breeds or has under his control an animal for the purpose of fighting any other animal;
2. baits or provokes or incites any animal to attack another animal or to proceed with the fighting of another animal;
3. for financial gain or as a form of amusement promotes animal fights;
4. allows any of the acts referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) to take place on any premises or place in his possession or under his charge or control;
5. owns, uses or controls any place or premises or place for the purpose or partly for the purpose of presenting animal fights on any such premises or place or who acts or assists in the management of any such premises or place, or who receives any consideration for the admission of any person to any such premises or place;
6. is present as a spectator at any premises or place where any of the acts referred to in paragraphs (a) to (c) is taking place or where preparations are being made for such acts
… shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.
