Crimes against animals are becoming increasingly cruel and violent, and the perpetrators are younger.
On Thursday 31 August, children in Retreat as young as 10 were found to be involved in dogfighting.
This year alone, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA has investigated 24 reports of dogfighting from the start of the year to the end of August.
However, Cape of Good Hope SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham says it is the first time the association has been involved in a case with children so young.
“Unfortunately, offenders seem to be getting younger and crimes perpetuated against animals are becoming increasingly cruel and violent. It is, however, the first time that we have been involved in a matter where children this young are stealing and fighting dogs.”
The animal welfare organisation was alerted to the incident after an eyewitness filmed five minors involved in a dogfight with two pitbull-type dogs.
When SPCA inspectors arrived on the scene the minors fled with the two injured dogs in tow. The minors, aged 10 to 12, were later located and taken into police custody in Grassy Park.
Jaco Pieterse, Cape of Good Hope SPCA chief inspector, said the mistreatment of animals is unacceptable, no matter the age of the perpetrator.
“A clear and unequivocal message must be sent to those who mistreat animals,” he said. “Their actions are unacceptable, no matter how old they are. The SPCA stands ready to act decisively and make sure justice is done for the welfare of animals.”
In addition to participating in dogfighting, the minors revealed that the dogs in question were stolen from the neighbouring areas.
Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspector Mark Syce said it was deeply unsettling that young boys are engaging in such cruel behaviour.
“Hearing this sent shivers down my spine, as it’s deeply unsettling to know young boys are engaged in such cruel behaviour,” he said.
“The realisation that if they aren’t stopped now their actions could escalate to even more horrifying deeds in future is alarming.”
Contrary to popular belief dogfighting, which originated in Europe, is not limited to gangsters and informal settlements, and in fact traverses all segments of the South African population, said Abraham.
“Street fighters, often associated with gangs or unemployed youth, engage in dogfights that are local at informal street corners and back alley spontaneous events are triggered by insults, turf invasions or simple boredom.”
Meanwhile, “hobbyist fighters” are slightly more organised with their “average ability dogs” participating in a number of organised fights a year as a side-line for both entertainment and to attempt to supplement income, she adds.
“They tend to breed their dogs extensively and have a ready supply of puppies for sale,” Abraham said. “Professional dogfighters tend to breed, raise, train and fight their own dogs at a set location in matches arranged well in advance.
“They operate nationally and pay particular attention to establishing and promoting their own winning bloodlines.” Is there money involved in dogfighting?
According to Abraham, there is money to be made from illegal gambling and via the breeding of “winning dogs”.
But where do minors learn the behaviour of animal cruelty?
“We can’t give a factual response, only an opinion that children are either imitating actions they’ve seen in their community or are being actively taught to participate,” Abraham said.
“Dogfighting is not only a problem of cruelty to animals, it is part of a criminal subculture that can involve other criminal activities such as illegal gambling, drug-related crimes and theft, all contributing to the destruction of communities.”
Illegal gambling is an inherent part of a dogfight, and because money changes hands, weapons are common on the scene.
“Children are often present and besides the inherent danger of the situation to a child their witnessing such premeditated acts of cruelty can lead to an ever-growing desensitisation to violence,” Abraham said.
Are all dog breeds used in dog fighting or are they predominantly pitbulls?
“Most dogs used for organised fighting purposes in South Africa are American Pit Bull Terriers,” Abrahams said.
“Historically bred and known for their courage, loyalty, high energy levels and non-aggression towards humans . . . these traits, which make well-bred and -trained pit bulls good companions have unfortunately been exploited by a criminal element,” says Abraham. “Pit bulls are not a breed but a dog type.”
Currently, the SPCA conducts weekly outreach activities specifically around dog fighting education in various areas on a rotational basis.
Dogfighting is illegal in South Africa in terms of the Animals Protection Act and reports can be made anonymously.
But how do you spot dogs kept and bred for dog fighting? Abraham said tell-tale signs are makeshift fighting pits or square structures that may have blood evidence on the floors and walls.
“Veterinary medication or injectable drugs, steroids or trauma medical supplies and the presence of multiple unsterilised, animal aggressive, unsocialised dogs.”
Other signs include scarred dogs, especially pit bulls. “Fighting scars can be found on the face, front legs, hind ends and thighs. Puncture wounds, swollen faces and mangled ears are also tell-tale signs of fighting and dogs tied down with heavy chains.”
In animal cruelty cases where minors are involved, can they be prosecuted?
Abraham says it is up to the courts to conclude whether minors have criminal capacity.
“It is our understanding that the Children’s Court has jurisdiction and must first determine whether the children have criminal capacity in terms of the Child Justice Act.
“Children aged 10 to 14 are presumed not to have the criminal capacity, but the state (representing the SPCA) can present evidence to prove otherwise. Should the court conclude they have criminal capacity, it would deal with the matter and hear evidence when it comes to sentencing.
“A social worker or individual specialising in children’s matters would have to attend proceedings and testify in court.”
If you suspect dogs have been involved in fighting, contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA on 021 700 4158 during office hours or 083 326 1604 after-hours.
