Dogfighting is rife NSPCA warns

Dogfighting is the practice of instigating dogs to fight against each other for entertainment purposes or financial gain. It is a thriving illegal underground activity in both urban and rural areas across the country.

This is according to Keshvi Nair, public relations officer at the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) who said dogfighting remained a problem in different communities throughout the country, and is not limited to Randfontein or Westonaria.

Dogfighting is rife across South Africa. It is the premeditated and cruel practice of encouraging and inciting two or more dogs to attack and fight each other until one of the dogs is either killed or is too injured and exhausted to continue fighting. It is a thriving underground activity in both urban and rural areas across the country,” said Nair.

He also spoke about the injuries and living conditions that these dogs endure.

“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.

“They often die as a result of these injuries from blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion and/ or infection. Most dogs used for fighting have miserable lives. They are caged or chained with heavy chains in bad living conditions,” said Nair.

The NSPCA has a specialised unit with highly trained individuals that deals specifically with dogfighting cases, among other premeditated crimes involving animals.

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The Special Investigations Unit also provides support and assistance to the SPCA when they are dealing with dogfighting cases within their area of operation. All tip-offs, complaints and suspicious activity are investigated by the NSPCA or local SPCA.

Those involved in dogfighting activities face imprisonment of many years, heavy fines, and a criminal record.

The loss of personal assets and denial of future animal ownership are further penalties that people will face when convicted of dogfighting involvement.

I think it’s incredibly concerning and disappointing that we now have to take measures to warn people against committing a crime such as this. Any decent human being should not have to think twice to know that dogfighting is wrong.

“A person who finds pleasure in and is entertained by this barbaric activity certainly does not deserve a place in our society. If you are found to be involved in any dogfighting-related activities, the SPCA movement will ensure that you face the full might of the law.

“The NSPCA encourages the public to please report any suspicious or dogfighting related activities to the NSPCA for investigation. All complaints are treated with complete confidentiality.

“The details of complaints are kept private. Complaints may also be reported anonymously. The public is reminded that animals cannot pick up the phone and ask for help, they depend on you to help them get out of abusive situations. Your complaint could be the difference between a dog that is sentenced to dying in a dogfight, and a dog that is rescued from a dogfighting ring,” said Nair.

Complaints can be sent to specialinvestigations@nspca.co.za or to your local SPCA.