OCEAN VIEW, CAPE TOWN – On Friday 12 March 2021, Cape of Good Hope SPCA and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement joined forces to educate and raise awareness to stop dog fighting. The partnership stems 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.
The activities on Friday was well attended by members of the community. Alderman JP Smith showed support in person for the initiative. Information, Education and Communication materials were disseminated to members of the community. Service delivery was also brought to the community with the treatment of minor ailments including deworming and flea treatment made available. More than 800 Pitbull breeds have been documented in the past year either confiscated, unwanted or stray.
The Law is clear
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. You are committing a crime if you rent your property or property you manage for animal fighting purposes. You are committing a crime if you 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 a dog fight. Even being a spectator at a dog fight is a criminal offence, as is being on the same property where dog fighting is taking place.
Should you be found guilty you may be liable for a fine of up to R80,000 and/or Imprisonment of up to 2 years. You will have a criminal record and you will be denied the right to animal ownership.