Three people appeared in the Strand Magistrates’ Court on charges of animal fighting and animal cruelty last Friday (18 March).
The court appearance follows their arrest at a premises in Strand during a joint operation by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA and Strand police last Thursday (17 March).
Strand police spokesperson Warrant Officer Nico Beukes said the suspects appeared in court the day after their arrest (Friday 18 March). The outcome of the appearance could, however, not be ascertained at the time of going to print.
According to SPCA chief inspector Jaco Pieterse, the arrests followed an intensive investigation after the organisation received an anonymous tip-off from the community. “The initial investigation started with the tip-off, limited information and only a video,” he said in a statement. “This particular video of the dogfighting occurred in the Strand area last year. In the video, the owners encouraged the dogs to fight and the footage shows how the dogs engage [in fighting] covered in blood as bystanders (spectators), some as young as five years old watch.”
SPCA Inspector Werner Taljaard initiated the “resource-heavy, intensive” investigation. The extensive work by the SPCA’s inspectors with limited information led them to three addresses – two where the dogs were kept and one where the fight took place.
Says Pieterse: “The team managed to gather sufficient intelligence to trace the suspects – the owners of the dogs and the host of the dog fight. Taljaard, Inspector Siviwe Noko, Cadet Inspector Byrone Arendse and members of Strand police executed the arrests, along with the confiscation and rescue of three dogs used for dogfighting.
“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 [in Grassy Park], but at a secure off-site location.”
Belinda Abraham, spokesperson for the SPCA, did not respond to DistrictMail’s query on the current condition of the canines, nor their likely treatment by the set deadline.
The three arrests in the Helderberg come just a year after the SPCA and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement teamed up in the bid to eradicate dogfighting activities in the metropole. Pieterse added the SPCA had made good on its promise to bring dogfighters to book with several arrests 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.”
Since news of the arrests in Strand was shared on social media, locals weighed in on the illicit and cruel activity on Facebook, most congratulating the authorities for their successful action and calling for the justice system to penalise the alleged culprits.
One posted: “Brilliant work by all involved. Punish these persons to the fullest extent of the law. Hope these injured dogs will be helped and safe haven homes found for them with good caring people (sic).”
Another said: “Fantastic news! This ‘sport’ is pure evil and needs to be completely eradicated.”
In light of the arrests, animal activist and manager of the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) Helderberg Julia Evans congratulated the SPCA inspectors on the sterling work, adding reports of dogfighting in the basin are prevalent.
“Reports are often made after the incident has occurred and people are not always willing to provide affidavits or stand as witnesses in these cases, which makes prosecution difficult,” she explained. “Many incidents take place on deserted fields or desolate places, and by the time AWS inspectors arrive, the persons involved have already dispersed and we do not know who is responsible for the illegal activity.”
Evans further said the AWS Helderberg sees especially pitbulls for veterinary care such as stitches almost daily as well as other animals apparently attacked by dogs. “The excuse is always that the dog accidently slipped the gate and we never have any concrete proof to pursue the matter legally,” she pointed out.
“Should we find a case with suitable evidence, which we feel could stand in a court of law, we will immediately alert the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, as these need to be dealt with by a group or organisation with a unit specially dedicated to investigating and legally pursuing the case.”
This statement was supported by Pieterse, who urged the community to assist the SPCA’s anti-dog fighting efforts through donations. “The 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.”
V To report any incidents of dogfighting, donate or find out more information, 021 700 4140 or 083 326 1604 (after hours emergencies).
