NPO rallies behind anti-dog fighting sanctuary

A DURBAN North couple is calling on residents to lend their support to animal rights organisation, Animal RAID (Rescue, Action and Investigation Division) as they embark on their mission to establish a dedicated pro-life animal sanctuary in KwaZulu-Natal for severely abused and traumatised animals.

The dedicated members of KwaZulu-Natal’s Animal RAID team, hope to establish an animal sanctuary this year to provide a safe home for the victims of dog fighting as well as abused street and township animals.

History of organisation

Founded by Jessica Singh, Animal RAID which is the new direct action rescue unit of Pawfect Nation, which was founded and registered as an NPO in 2010 consists of trained law enforcement professionals – all volunteers – with tactical combat and defence skills, and SWAT and/or military backgrounds. Also forming part of the team are seasoned dog behaviourists, handlers and trainers, as well as medical and legal professionals who are available to assist the team.

According to a media statement issued by Animal RAID, reports have shown a 500 per cent increase in dog fighting across the country in the past four years with young boys being hired as ‘runners’ to steal animals either as fighting dogs, or as ‘bait’ to be used to get the fighting dogs worked up. The team believes the numbers are much higher because dog fighting is not only happening in the townships, but in urban areas as well.

“The problem is that once these animals are rescued, if at all, there is nowhere for them to go. The goal is to create a safe haven where these victims can be cared for, rehabilitated and offered sanctuary, without the threat of being put down because of the stigma attached to their breed,” said Singh.

Raising funds

Animal lovers and members of the Animal RAID, Fiona Langry and Tejan Pillay who reside in Durban North currently have eight rescues at their home. Speaking about the initiative, Fiona said, “We are trying to raise funds to build a sanctuary to rehabilitate rescued dogs. It’s difficult because these dogs have been severely abused by fighting and we don’t know how they will react with other dogs. The majority of the dogs used in dog fighting are pitbulls or related breeds and not many people want to take in pitbulls because of the stigma attached to the breed so we are trying to change the minds and perceptions of people so they can see what gentle, loving dogs they are when they’re raised responsibly in households that understand the breed and it’s character. There are several pitbull advocacy groups that can assist in this regard.”

Singh said rescued animals will not be adopted out, but people can organise a virtual adoption whereby they sponsor an animal’s food and medical costs on a monthly basis, and they may visit the sanctuary to see the progress of their ‘adopted’ animal.