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Johannesburg – Six people are expected to appear in court on Wednesday after they were caught at a dog fight in Lawley, south of Johannesburg over the weekend, the NSPCA said.
The National Council of SPCAs and the Gauteng police’s dog unit raided a house in the area around midnight on Saturday following a tip-off from the community, manager of the NSPCA’s special investigations unit, Wendy Willson, said on Tuesday.
The dogs involved were Pit Bull Terriers.
“One dog’s shoulder had been torn away from its body with only skin keeping the dislocated and badly mauled limb in place. The other victim, struggling to breathe from a damaged trachea and haemorrhaging around his throat, collapsed in an inspector’s arms.”
Both dogs were put down. Another 10 Pit Bulls, including a three-month-old puppy, were rescued from the property, many with extensive injuries. They were taken to a vet for treatment.
Willson said dog fighting was becoming more prevalent. The fights ranged from low-level street contests to organised syndicate fights where dogs were trained for weeks in advance, which were about pitting bloodlines against one another, and involved large sums of money.
“This one was well-organised,” she said.
Dog fights were a “strong indicator of a society in decay” as they promoted non-empathy. In communities where it took place violence levels became elevated."
Investigations are ongoing with more arrests expected.
The six suspects will appear in the Protea Magistrate’s Court on charges relating to the Animals Protection Act.
**WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT**
(Pictures provided by the National Council of SPCAs )
