Dog fighting is a crime
If convicted in a court of law, dog fighters face imprisonment, heavy fines, a criminal record for breaking this law, loss of personal assets, and the denial of future animal ownership.
Dog fighting is the premeditated and cruel practice of encouraging and inciting dogs to attack each other until one of the dogs is either killed or is too injured and exhausted to continue fighting.
According to Boksburg SPCA’s Maggie Mudd, under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 it clearly states that it is a crime to be involved in any manner with the fighting of animals or to own, keep, train or breed animals used for fighting.
“It is also illegal to buy, sell or import these animals for fighting,” said Mudd.
“In addition, it is a crime to encourage or allow any animal to attack another animal or proceed to fight or to promote animal fighting for money or for entertainment.
“You are committing a crime if you allow any of these activities to take place on a property you own, live on or have control over.”
Mudd reminded that it is also a a crime to watch a dog fight.
“This entails even being a spectator at a dog fight is a criminal offence, as is being on the same property where dog fighting is taking place.”
She said dog fighting is an underground activity in both urban and rural areas across the country and could by happening in any community right now.
“Dogs used for fighting suffer terrible injuries such as crushed and broken bones, ripped flesh, deep puncture wounds, torn muscles, broken teeth, severe bruising and internal injuries and dogs used to fight often die as result of these injuries.
“Most dogs used for fighting have miserable lives – cages or chained with heavy chains in bad living conditions for their whole lives.”.
- How do I recognise the presence of dog fighting?
· Pitbulls kept on heavy chains or confined in small areas like alleys, garages or cages
· Residences or properties with multiple pitbulls that are unsterilised, unsocialised or unfriendly to other animals
· Pitbulls that have evidence of repeated injuries. Dogs with multiple scars or injuries on their bodies, especially faces, front legs, chests, hind legs, thighs and ears.
· Purpose built fighting pits or makeshift fighting areas with blood stains on floor and walls.
· The presence of training equipment (such as treadmills, springpoles or break sticks) or veterinary drugs or steroids.
· Frequent or regular change in dogs at a specific property. As dogs are killed, new dogs are purchased or stolen.
· Groups of pitbulls being walked at unusual hours, especially late at night.
- What can I do?
If you suspect that dog fighting is taking place in your area, call your local SPCA on 011 916 5906/7 or after hour emergency number 083 763 6311 or the National Council of SPCAs special investigations on (011) 907 3590/1/2/3.
- Award
Mudd said the NSPCA offers a reward of up to R15 000 for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of dog fighters.
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