Four dogs used in dog fighting have been rescued by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA this week.
SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham says the dogs were found in Elsies River and Eerste River following tips from the community.
Abraham says on Monday, two dogs were rescued in Elsies following a dog fight.
“One dog has wounds to his face and forelegs and was visibly traumatised, the wounds require veterinary treatment,” she says.
“Unfortunately dog fighting is highly prevalent in the Western Cape and we are experiencing an increase in the number of reports we receive.”
On Tuesday, inspectors headed to Eerste River where two dogs were removed from a property.
“Both dogs were found restrained with chains and both have the undeniable scarring pattern that results from dog fighting.
“The SPCA is still investigating this incident but both dogs are now safely in our care,” Abraham says.
She says charges in respect of contraventions of the Animal Protection Act will be brought against the perpetrators.
Abraham says aside from satisfying a deviant and violent blood lust, cowardly individuals who engage in this criminal activity transfer their dogs’ success onto their own identities.
“A winning dog will raise an owner’s street cred, elevate their egos, earn them money and breed them more victims,” she says.
The SPCA, she says, need help from communities to identify those involved: “If you happen to witness a dog fight in progress and it is safe to do so, please try and obtain video footage that shows both the fight and the faces of those involved.”
You can help piemp the criminals by calling 021 700 4158/9 during office hours or 083 326 1604 after hours.