GRAPHIC CONTENT: Severely injured dogs rescued at illegal dog-fighting gathering

WARNING: Graphic content

The Special Investigations Unit of the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) in conjunction with the police performed a successful raid on a dog-fighting ring during the last weekend of August.

Nine severely injured dogs were removed and 10 people were arrested. Many of the dogs were in various stages of collapse, some suffering from blood loss, shock and dehydration. Some had broken bones. All these dogs were taken to a veterinarian after they had been removed from the scene. Sadly some of them were so badly injured they died.

Criminal charges in terms of the Animal Protection Act no 71 of 1962 were laid against the perpetrators.

According to the NSPCA all the dogs were stolen in the Soweto/ Greater Johannesburg area and all owners whose dogs are missing can contact the NSPCA and show a photograph of the dog as all the surviving confiscated dogs are in the NSPCA’s care. Details can also be sent to specialinvestigations1@nspca.co.za.

According to Roodepoort SPCA senior inspector Eric Taljaard, owners of dogs, especially American Pit bulls, should be aware of the modus operandi of the dog-fighting rings.

“They walk the streets and check where dogs can be easily stolen from a property. These dogs are usually used for dog fighting,” he said.

Taljaard said there are a few things dog owners can do to ensure their dogs do not fall victim to dog-fighting rings, starting with being vigilant and reporting suspicious people walking up and down your street. Dogs should be kept at the back of your property and should be microchipped.

The dog thieves usually do not check for a microchip and it makes it easier for the SPCA to track the owner.

If your dog is stolen or goes missing you are advised to report it to the SPCA, put up posters and advertise in your local newspaper. Taljaard also advised owners to take a photo of their dogs as they will be expected to identify them to be able to reclaim them.

Sergeant Mpho More from the Florida Police said dog fighting is very dangerous and against the law. “We do not have any reported cases of stolen or missing dogs at the station. We encourage the public to report this to us. We can only investigate these cases and try to stop dog fighting if we know about it,” More said.

Rumour has it that cats tied up in bags were used as bait, but Cora Bailey from Community Led Animal Welfare (Claw) said it is not true. “No bait was used. It was a fight between dogs, they do not need bait. It is our civic duty to report any dog fighting we are aware of. Your identity will not be revealed. Most times dog fighting is not the only crime those people are involved in,” Bailey said.

Dog fighting is illegal in South Africa and the NSPCA assures the public that they will do their very best to end this, even though raiding dog-fighting venues is very dangerous.

The public is encouraged to come forward with any information that can lead to ending dog fighting. The NSPCA will never reveal an informant’s identity.

The perpetrators were arrested and criminal charges in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962 were laid against them. The public can be assured of the NSPCA’s best efforts to pursue this issue and serve justice to the animal victims of this heinous crime.

Also read:

Dog fighting ring busted

Dog fighting ring suspect released on warning