Cape of Good Hope SPCA responded to an anonymous tip-off about a dog fight in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain earlier today. Inspectors Jaco Pieterse and Marc Syce assisted by the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit managed to trace and locate one of the dogs that were involved in the fight. The dog was seized in terms of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. The owner will now face charges of animal cruelty and animal fighting. The whereabouts of the second dog, a brown Pitbull, is unknown.
“We are calling on members of the public to come forward with any information that can assist us in finding this dog” Chief Inspector Pieterse confirmed.
Please support the survivors of Dogfighting
Criminal Offence
Dogfighting is illegal in South Africa. A person found guilty for any involvement in dogfighting is liable for a fine of R80,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 24 months with a criminal record.
It is a crime to be involved in any manner with the fighting of animals or to own, keep, train or breed animals used for fighting. It is also illegal to buy, sell or import these animals. Moreover, it is a criminal offence to incite/encourage or allow any animal to attack another animal or proceed to fight and It is a crime to promote animal fighting for monetary gain or entertainment.
It is also considered a crime to allow any one of these activities to take place on a property you own, live on or have control of.
It is a crime to watch dogfighting as is being on the same property where dogfighting is taking place.
Reward for Information
“Dogfighting is a serious crime often linked to other criminal activities such as possession of illegal firearms, drugs, gambling and domestic violence. We are pleased with the outcome of the operation and appeal to members of the public to report dogfighting. We give our assurance that each case will be investigated and actioned”. Cape of Good Hope SPCA is offering an award of R5 000 for any information that leads to the arrest and successful prosecution of dog fighters.
Cruelty reports can be made in strict confidence by email inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za or telephonically by calling 0217004158/9 during office hours. You can also report cruelty online via our website at https://capespca.co.za/report-cruelty/ or by calling the after-hour number 083 326 1604.
REWARD! R5,000
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA offers a reward of up to R5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of dog fighters.
