UPDATE: Dog fighting advert an SPCA campaign
BRYANSTON –A travelling trailer billboard has the public in a frenzy over pit bull fighting.
The NSPCA has come forward admitting that a viral dog fighting advert that had residents up in arms was an anti-dog-fighting campaign, established by the organisation.
The NSPCA was contacted by media outlets for comment when the advert was first spotted, but denied involvement, stating merely that they were investigating the incident.
The rolling advert which shocked motorists around the Northern suburbs, advertised a supposed dog fight between two pit bulls. When one phoned the number on the poster earlier today, it went to voicemail, but with no message. If you call the number now, it plays the following recorded message:
Many suspected that it was actually an advert for the MMA, but the organisation was quick to deny this.
Initial Report, 27 June 11.47am
NSPCA is investigating the illegal trailer advertisement concerning pit bull fights.
Social media posts on Facebook went viral on 27 June when motorists posted a picture of the trailer advertisement. It reads; “Fight night, pit bull tournament, main: Nitro VS Thor”.
The advertisement continues to provide booking details and even offers a website.
Animal fighting has been banned in South Africa since the ’40s. Under the Animal Protection Act No.71 of 1962 in section 2B, Animal Fights, it states:
“(1) Any person who – (a) possesses, keeps, imports, buys, sells, trains, breeds or has under his control an animal for the purpose of fighting any other animal…
shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.”
NSPCA senior inspector, Wendy Wilson commented that they have received hundreds of phone calls reporting the illegal advertising. “We are just as outraged as everyone else about the illegal matter. We are continuing our investigations and will let the public know any details as soon as we know,” added Wilson.
Wilson explained that they are trying to track the bakkie down as it has been constantly on the move since this morning.
Contact details for NSPCA:
Tel : 011 – 907 3590
