Community warned to beware of dog fighters stealing powerbreeds

WATCH dogs who report anything leading to the arrest and conviction of a dog fighter will be awarded up to R15000 by the National Council of SPCAs. Marketing Manager for the Durban and Coast SPCA,  Tanya Fleischer said dog fighting is a criminal offence defined by the premeditated and cruel practice of inciting two dogs to attack and fight each other until one of the dogs is either killed or too injured and exhausted to continue fighting.

Also Read: Knife-wielding suspects attack security guard in Sunningdale

Veterinarian, Dr Gustav Botha who works at the Ashburne Veterinary Clinic (AVC) in Durban North condemned dog fighting.

“The dogs are either killed and dumped or they are bitten and full of wounds,” he said, “dogs have been pulled over walls with chains and stolen for dog fights.Sometimes meat hooks laden with meat are used to lure dogs to the wall.”

Botha added that while power breeds such as bull-terriers and pit bulls are targeted, some small dogs are also at risk.

“I have heard of Yorkies going missing as well and some small dogs are used as a practice animal to teach power breeds to fight,” he said. Botha advised the community to be observant and consider taking safety measures to protect their dogs.

“Residents should consider putting up strong fences, or perhaps walls that people can’t see through. People who have dogs should be aware of suspicious people walking around on the streets and develop friendships with their neighbors, so that they can recognize a neighbour’s dog if they see it on the street and watch out for each other’s pets,” he said. Michelle Morkel who was at AVC last week, having her two foster rescue puppies vaccinated, said two years ago, her dog mysteriously went missing from her garden and she suspected that dog fighters had stolen the dog, “Dog fighting is cruel, its absolutely disgusting and heartless. It should be stopped,” she said.

Also read: Only Stage 1 load shedding anticipated this winter

Morkel added that she is looking for a home for her two rescue pup that will be weened in about 6 weeks. “Unfortunately, I can’t keep them as my garden is too small and they are going to be very big dogs,” she said. Residents with big gardens, who want to provide a loving home to the pups can contact Morkel on 071 896 5729.

To report suspicious activity, call the Durban and Coastal SPCA on 031 579 6500 or the NSPCA on 011 907 3590. For more from Northglen News follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You can also follow us on Instagram