Last night, a suspect was arrested after being nabbed by the community of Hanover Park for dog fighting. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA was the first on the scene and arrested the suspect. One victim of dogfighting was seized and rescued by the SPCA.
Last night a complaint was lodged with the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s 24/7 Inspector Control Room about dogfighting that was in progress in Hanover Park. Inspector Lwazi Ntungele was immediately dispatched to investigate the matter.
When Inspector Ntungele arrived at the scene, the community already apprehended one of the suspects and kept the injured dog safe. Unfortunately, the other suspects fled the scene. We are led to believe that the group of suspects are all teenagers.
A severely injured female Pitbull dog was found by Inspector Ntungele. The dog had multiple bite wounds all over her face, muzzle and right forelimb. It is evident that this is not the first time this dog was used for dog fighting. The dog was taken to a 24-hour veterinary practice for immediate examination and treatment.
The suspect was taken to the Philippi South African Police Service (SAPS), where he was detained and charged in terms of Section 2A of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.
The SPCA is following up on leads to trace the rest of the suspects so that they can also be arrested and charged. We are appealing to the public to please com forward with information – 021 700 4158/9.
“We are heartened by the actions of this community. It’s truly inspiring to see a community come together with a united purpose to put an end to the cruel and illegal activity of dog fighting. This collective effort demonstrates a strong commitment to animal welfare and a desire to create a safer and more compassionate environment for both animals and people” says Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.
The Law
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 way 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. It is a crime to promote animal fighting for monetary gain or entertainment.
It is also considered a crime to allow any 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.
Report Any Act of Illegal Dog Fighting
Cruelty reports can be made in strict confidence by email inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za or telephonically by calling 021 700 4158/9 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.
Thank You Medinox!
We would like to thank Medinox South Africa, who donates towards the operations of our anti-dogfighting team.
Email of thanks received from the complainant:
From: XXXX EMAIL REDACTED XXXX
Sent: 22 August 2023 11:10
To: info – Cape of Good Hope SPCA <info@capespca.co.za>
Subject: Outstanding service inspector Lwazi Ntungele
To whom it may concern
I was one of the witnesses at the Dog fighting in Hanover Park lastnite.
I would like to commend Inspector Lwazi Ntungele for his outstanding and brave service. He came out alone to a area that is known for its gangsterism and murders. He stayed calm and immediately assessed the situation. LWAZI NTUNGELE I salute you…. Thank you thank you for your outstanding service.
I hope that the Spca can employ more people like you. Also we pray for safety over each and every inspector and we hope that they can get more assistance especially in these areas because coming alone is at a very high risk.
Thank Spca for a commendable service. Please forward this email to all relevant parties especially Lwazi’s management.
Thank you thank you
Much love
XXXX NAME REDACTED XXXX
