Dogfighting continues to be a massive issue in Cape Town. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA recently obtained a court order from the Atlantis Magistrates Court to confiscate a pit bull named Rex, who was used by his owner to attack other dogs in the suburb of Avondale in Atlantis.
“The owner is well known amongst the community for setting Rex on other dogs, provoking him to attack. This resulted in community members being too scared to take their dogs for walks. When our team received the tip-off they immediately jumped into action to investigate the matter and take action,” said the SPCA in a statement.
“Our team found Rex with old scarring and open wounds that were left untreated – an open wound on the neck was infected and oozing with puss. The old scarring and wounds are evidence of repeated attacks and fighting.”
Dogfighting can be defined as a “contest” in which two dogs, trained to fight, are placed in a small arena to fight each other for the spectators’ entertainment and gambling purposes. The American pit bull terrier has become the most popular dog breed falling victim to this crime in South Africa.
“It is a thriving and ever-growing criminal activity in South Africa, supported by people from all walks of life and various backgrounds. Dog fights are not the work of a single lawbreaker but instead constitute a form of incredibly violent organised crime that is intricately linked to many other criminal activities,” explain the SPCA.
“It is a multimillion-rand industry with an intricate underground web ranging from impromptu events in a back alley with stolen dogs to a carefully planned and organised enterprise, using family bred dogs and held in a location specially designed and maintained for the purpose of showcasing this brutal event.”
The SPCA is calling on the public to please report any matters of dogfighting and animal cruelty by calling their Inspectorate on 021 700 4158/9 or by sending an email to [email protected]
Picture/s: Facebook / Cape of Good Hope SPCA