Illegal dog fight clubs rife in Zululand

DISTURBING as it may be, dog fighting is an ‘organised and professional business.’

This is according to a source close to the industry who spoke to the ZO this week, noting that illegal dog fighting is happening in the area.

Meerensee, Brackenham, Melmoth, Mtubatuba and uMhlathuze Village are some of the areas highlighted by our source, who preferred to remain anonymous.

The business

The ZO obtained information that on the local front a dog fight can generate up to R150 000 in bets, while national and international fights can quite possibly go into millions of rands and dollars.

‘It is a lucrative business. A broad spectrum of individuals is involved, from top to bottom.

‘The main guys involved often cannot be linked to a fight because they never appear at the scene.

They sit at home or at the office and watch the fight via webcam.’

‘These guys get people to take their dogs to the fight and have them do all the dirty work so they cannot be linked.’

It was revealed that more than just dog fighting occurs during fights.

‘In many cases, drug deals and gun sales take place during a fight. It’s basically a free-for-all affair.’

While dog fighting is condemned by many, obtaining information about organised dog fights is extremely difficult.

Our source revealed that in many cases a dog fight could be happening in a home ‘next door’ and one wouldn’t even know.

‘These fights happen quickly and are hushed. There are rounds, much like a boxing match.

‘The dogs are trained to either go for the throat or front legs in an attempt to restrict the dog from ever walking again.

‘Dogs will continue to fight no matter the injuries they sustain in a round. They will do anything to please their owner.’

Top dogs

Pit Bulls have now become the number one choice for dog fighting owing to their aggression, build and agility, whereas in the past any breed of dog would be pitted against each other.

Dogs are also ranked according to the number of wins and losses they record during their fighting career.

Contrary to popular belief, our source noted that it is most often not the bigger size dog that is the preferred choice for fighting.

‘You find that the dogs that enter fights are normally scrawny and not extremely muscular. This is because the dog needs to be agile and fast.

‘These dogs are extremely committed to their owner, trainer or person handling them at the fight.

How to recognise dog fighting

The NSPCA have issued a number of tips which the public could use in identifying whether someone is involved in dog fighting.

The points below highlight what you should be on the lookout for:

• Pit Bulls kept on heavy chains or confined in small areas. Residences or properties with multiple Pit Bulls which are unsterilised, unsocialised or unfriendly to other animals.

• Pit Bulls which show evidence of repeated injuries.

• 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, cat mills, spring poles or break sticks, or veterinary supplies and steroids.

• Frequent or regular change in dogs at a specific property. As dogs are killed, new animals are purchased or stolen.

• A fighting pit on a property or inside a house with blood stains and scratch lines or 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.

Empangeni SPCA Senior Inspector Roland Fivas noted that dog fighting is illegal, but could not confirm the information provided to the ZO by our source.

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