What you need to know about dog fighting
The Benoni SPCA has issued educational material in regard to the issue of dog fighting, following a recent advertisement by the NSPCA about this activity.
The advertisement promoted a dog fight, but was actually a tactic to highlight dog fighting.
This is what the Benoni SPCA sent to the City Times:
What is dog fighting?
Dog fighting is the intentional practice of encouraging and inciting two dogs to attack each other until one is killed, too injured or exhausted to continue the fight
What are the signs of dog fighting?
• Pitbulls are often kept on heavy chains or confined to small areas when they are involved in dog fighting
• Properties that have multiple pitbulls, which are unsociable and aggressive towards other animals
• If you notice any pitbulls that have multiple injuries or scarring, especially the face, legs, chest, hind legs, thighs and ears – this could be from dog fighting
• Frequent replacements of dogs.
• Purposeful built pits or makeshift squares with blood stains on floors and walls.
• Presence of training equipment like treadmills, slat mills and break sticks.
• Veterinary drugs or supplies and steroids.
How does this affect me?
• Where animal fighting is allowed to take place, there are generally other illegal activities going on.
• The dogs are trained to attack and fight, so the risk of an attack on other animals or a person is increased.
• Animal abuse has close links to acts of violence towards vulnerable people and children in the community.
What the law says in South Africa?
• It is a crime to watch a dog fight, even if you have no involvement in the fight.
• It is a crime to be on the same property where dog fighting is taking place.
• It is a crime to rent your property or manage a property for animal fighting purposes.
• It is a crime to promote animals fighting for money or entertainment.
• It is a crime if you encourage any animal to attack another animal or proceed to fight.
• It is a crime to own, keep, train or breed animals for the purpose of fighting. It is also illegal to buy, sell or import animals for this purpose.
• If you allow any of above activities to take place in a home you live in, own, or have control over then you are breaking the law.
Penalties for dog fighting convictions include a fine of up to R300 000, up to 15 years in prison, a criminal record and denial of animal ownership.
The NSPCA is offering a reward of up to R15 000 for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of dog fighters.
Contact the NSPCA if you suspect dog fighting: specialinvestigations@nspca.co.za or 011 907 3590 or at www.nspca.co.za
You can remain anonymous when reporting these activities.
Also read:
SPCA employee rescues kitten from tree
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