The community of Hanover Park stood together to stop a dog fight in action on Monday 21 August.
Cape of Goodhope SPCA was alerted to the dog fight through its 24/7 Inspector Control Room, with inspector Lwazi Ntungele dispatched to investigate the matter.
On his arrival on the scene, residents had already stopped the fight and apprehended one of the people allegedly involved. Other suspects had already fled the scene.
“We are heartened by the actions of this community,” said Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse.
“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.”
A severely injured female pitbull was found at the scene. The dog had multiple bite wounds all over her face, muzzle and right forelimb.
It was evident by the injuries and scars on her body that this was not the first time this dog was used for dog fighting.
The dog was taken to a 24-hour veterinary practice for examination and treatment.
The suspect was taken to the Philippi Police Station, where he was charged in terms of the Animals Protection Act.
Although taken to the station the suspect was not arrested, said Philippi police spokesperson Capt Lance Goliath.
“They brought this boy, a 15-year-old, to the station but we cannot just arrest a person,” he explained.
“You first need to establish who the owner is and get witnesses to what transpired. In cases such as this, it takes time to get hold of the owners. The investigating officer is busy with this.”
Goliath said in such cases a suspect must be pinpointed after consultation with the owner, which is then taken to the senior public prosecutor for a decision.
Goliath said Philippi police had not had many reports of dog fighting.
“If we receive complaints such as this, we will respond to it.”
He said while videos and photos may have been taken at the scene the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia) prevents this from being entered and used as evidence.
“While we can use it to lead us to witnesses, it can’t be used as evidence. No one can be recorded without their permission.”
The suspects involved in this alleged fight are all teenagers, the SPCA believes.
The SPCA is following up on leads to trace the rest of the suspects so that they can also be charged.
“We are appealing to the public to please come forward with information by calling us on 021 700 4158/9 or emailing inspectorate@spca-ct.co.za,” reads a statement by the SPCA.
“Reports can be made anonymously.” According to the Animals Protect Act, dogfighting is illegal in South Africa.
A person found guilty of any involvement in dogfighting, including hosting a fight on their premises, watching or betting on fights, is liable for a fine of R80 000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years, so a criminal record is imminent.
It is also illegal to buy, sell or import animals for use in fights. It is also a criminal offence to incite, encourage or allow any animal to attack another animal or proceed to fight.
