No evidence of dog fighting in east informal settlement

There is no evidence of dog-fighting at Wolwespruit informal settlement in Pretoria east, says the Tshwane SPCA.

Several reports of alleged staged dog-fighting and animal snaring at the informal settlement were recently made.

The SPCA however said it inspected the informal settlement but could not find any evidence.

It has warned that members of the public should be aware that it is illegal to be involved in any way with animal fighting or to own, keep, train, or breed animals for stage fighting.

Tshwane SPCA inspector Andrew Kekana said under the Animal Protection Act it is a crime to incite or to encourage or allow any animal to attack another or proceed to fight.

The organisation received complaints from residents alleging that staged dog-fighting occurs at the informal settlement.

The residents additionally said that illegal trapping and snaring of animals have increased, leading to the disappearance of local wildlife and harm to domestic pets.

Kekana said the SPCA visited the camp to investigate and could not find any dog there.

“There was no sign of dog-fights or animal snaring at the camp, but only feral cats wandering around.”
We are not saying there’s no dog-fighting at all but at this particular camp, we couldn’t find any evidence.

We encourage the public to immediately contact the police or the SPCA should they witness staged dog fighting. We work hand in hand with the police and we will make sure any perpetrators are apprehended,” Kekana said.

He said it is a crime to watch a dog fight.

“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. So avoid attending such illegal activities.”

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY ABOUT DOG-FIGHTING:

– It is a crime to promote animal fighting for money or entertainment.

– You are committing a crime if you allow any one of these activities to take place on a property you own, live on or have control of.

– You are committing a crime if you rent or manage your property for animal fighting purposes.

– Dog-fighting is an inhumane blood sport in which dogs, that have been bred, conditioned and trained to fight, are pitted against each other to fight. In most cases, dog-fights are for spectator entertainment and financial gain.

– Most dogs that are used for fighting live a miserable life in chains or caged in poor living conditions for most of their lives.

PENALTIES:

– A person found guilty of any involvement in dog-fighting is liable for a fine of R80 000 and/or imprisonment of up to 24 months with a criminal record.

How to recognise dog-fighting
A pit bull dog fighting ring could be operating right under your nose. The points below highlight what you should be on the lookout for:

– Pit bulls are kept on heavy chains or confined to small areas.
– Residences or properties with multiple pit bulls which are unsterilised, unsocialised or unfriendly to other animals.
– Dogs with multiple scars or injuries on their bodies, especially their faces, front legs, chests, hind legs, thighs and ears.
– Purpose-built fighting pits or square makeshift fighting areas with blood stains on floors and walls.
– The presence of training equipment, such as slat mills, treadmills, catmills, spring poles or break sticks, or veterinary supplies and steroids.
– Regular dog changes at a specific property. As dogs are killed, new animals are purchased or stolen.
– Vitamins, drugs and vet equipment and supplies: Although these items may have legitimate uses, they are often found in connection with illegal dogfighting operations.

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