Metro police finds no evidence of dog-fighting at east informal settlement during raid

No evidence of dog-fighting in Wolwespruit informal settlement, confirms the Tshwane metro police following a recent raid at the east informal settlement.

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) raided the Pretoria East informal settlement following several reports of alleged staged dog-fighting and animal snaring.

TMPD and the Tshwane SPCA received complaints from residents alleging that staged dog-fighting occurs at the informal settlement.

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

However, the TMPD said day and night shift units were deployed on the site on July 9 to attend to this complaint, where nothing unusual was found.

“During the daytime, there were a few dogs inside the informal settlement, all in good condition and well maintained.”

TMPD said the units found women washing clothes and a lot of babies running around with no loud music observed.

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At night there is still no music.

“Instead the only noise we heard was people talking after returning from work.”

TMPD said there was no trace of dog-fights, “nor did we find dogs around at night”.

“We believe the people took them into their shacks after returning from work. There is a court order in place here. So for now we can’t move anyone. Unless they have illegally erected shacks recently,” TMPD said.

A resident Retha van Niekerk said it is of great importance that a solution to the squatter problem in Wolwespruit is addressed.

Van Niekerk alleged dog fighting was practised at the Wolwespruit squatter camp.

She believed it was not a coincidence that dog disappearances started along with the squatter camp’s arrival. She stressed that nothing was being done to address the alleged dog-fights at the site.

 

“Illegal trapping and snaring of animals have also been on the rise. We have resident groups that walk the servitudes next to the roads to collect snares. There seems to be an eradication of the hyrax and small buck around Armscor and Wolwespruit, which had all but disappeared.”

She also stressed that the informal settlement was detrimental to the environment as the squatters were chopping down all the trees everywhere in the surrounding areas.

She said the squatters would occasionally burn items at their camp causing air pollution/smog in the area.

“There is noise pollution in the form of shouting, screaming and loud music emanating from the camp late into the night and into the early morning hours.”

Van Niekerk said when the noise issue is reported it subsides for a while and then resumes as soon as the TMPD vehicle disappears.

Tshwane SPCA in June said it had also conducted an inspection and found no evidence of staged dog-fighting.

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

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. 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,” he said.

“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 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.

A person found guilty of any involvement in dog-fighting is liable to 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, chest, hind legs, thighs and ears.

– Purpose-built fighting pits or square makeshift fighting areas with blood stains on the floor 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 dog-fighting operations.

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