Three suspects were arrested in Strand following an intensive investigation into dogfighting.
The initial investigation started with an anonymous tip-off, limited information and only a video.
Inspector Werner Taljaard initiated the investigation and managed to gather sufficient intelligence to trace the suspects which led to the confiscation and rescue of three dogs used for dogfighting.
Inspector Siviwe Noko and the Strand South African Police Service accompanied Inspector Taljaard for the confiscation yesterday, Cadet Inspector Bryan Arendse also assisted.
Investigating matters of dogfighting takes a lot of time, manpower and resources. We have to spend a fortune to ensure the safety of the dogs to avoid them from being stolen and used for fighting again
This particular video of the dogfighting occurred last year in the Strand area. In the video, the owners encouraged the dogs to fight and the footage shows how the dogs engage covered in blood. There were bystanders watching (spectators), even children as young as 5 years old.
The dogs are safe in the care of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, however, for their safety and that of our staff, dogs rescued from dogfighting are not kept on the SPCA premises. They are kept at a secure offsite location.
Charges of animal fighting were filed against all three suspects at the Strand police station and they are set to appear before the Strand Magistrates Court.
A year has passed since the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement joined forces. The partnership stemmed from a close working relationship in the quest to eradicate dogfighting activities in Cape Town. The parties have joint responsibility with The SPCA as custodian of the Animal Protection Act and Law Enforcement as the custodian of the City Bylaws which both govern and impact on issues pertaining to dogfighting. Since the announcement, in March 2021 the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has made good on its promise to bring dogfighters to book with several arrests made to date. This year, five dogfighting related cases have been prosecuted one of which has already concluded in a successful conviction. Four cases are waiting to be finalised by the courts.
We are calling on the public to assist our anti-dog fighting efforts by making a small donation. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is the only animal welfare organisation in Cape Town experienced and capable of investigating dogfighting matters. We need the support of the public to continue with the good work we do.
Special thanks to the Strand SAPS officers for their patience and assistance in this matter.
Fighting Images
Rescue and Confiscation
Please make a donation and support our anti dogfighting efforts
SPCA ANTI-DOG-FIGHTING UNIT
Dog fighting is an inhumane blood-sport where dogs, who have been bred, conditioned and trained to fight, are pitted against each other to fight. In most cases dog fights are for spectator entertainment and financial gain. Dog fighting is a thriving underground crime that may be happening in your community without you even knowing about it! Most dogs that are used for fighting live a miserable life where they are kept chained or caged in poor living conditions for most of their lives.
