Sleddog racing confirmed illegal
The Sandton SPCA expressed its support for a court's decision to ban sleddog racing in South Africa.
The South African Federation of Sleddog Sports was involved in a court battle with the National Council of SPCAs last year, hoping that the law would be in favour of the sport as no betting is involved.
The federation represented sleddog clubs throughout South Africa and claimed that their ‘time trials’ did not constitute racing.
The federation put forward that, as there was no betting involved, racing was not taking place and that interference by the SPCA in its activities was unlawful.
However, in December 2013 the South Gauteng High Court’s Judge Muzi Sikhakhane dismissed the application and confirmed that sleddog racing is a form of dog racing and in fact illegal in South Africa.
Sandton SPCA general manager Candice Scorer said the Sandton SPCA, along with other members of the SPCA movement, welcomed this ruling which she believes is “unambiguous” and “indisputable”.
“It sends out a stern warning to any parties who wish to push the boundaries of law or challenge those mandated to enforce it,” she said.
“Dog-sled racing is illegal and is an offence punishable by a South African court of law.”
