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A total of 17 men were found guilty recently for their involvement in dog fighting across three provinces including Gauteng.
The National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) welcomed the judgment. Sentencing is scheduled for 18 April 2018.
According to a statement released by Wendy Willson, NSPCA senior inspector and Manager of the Special Investigations Unit,
“In November 2013, the NSPCA responded to information about organised dog fights being held in Tsakane, Ekhuruleni and Gauteng which resulted in the arrest of 18 suspects and the rescue of 14 grievously injured dogs.”
The NSPCA made it clear that dog fighting is a highly illegal and deviant criminal activity.
She added that during judgment by the Nigel Regional Court on Monday, 5 February, the presiding magistrate pointed out gaping holes in the accused’s arguments and version of events in contrast to the state witnesses, who were “logical, clear, concise, honest and responsible” and stated that he considered dog fighting to be a very sick form of entertainment.
“We are thankful and appreciative that these criminals have been found guilty for their participation in this heinous crime. It has been a trying four years filled with numerous challenges to get this case finalised but we did not, and would never, relent until justice was served for these dogs.”
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