SPCA Investigates Animal Cruelty Case Involving Five Minors Engaged in Dog Fighting

In a shocking incident coming out of Retreat, Cape Town, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit have apprehended five minors suspected of engaging in a cruel act of dog fighting. SPCA spokesperson, Belinda Abraham, shared that an eyewitness's footage led to the kids' arrest.

As per Abraham's report, these children between 10-12 years old fled from the scene with the wounded pit bulls as the team arrived, eluding initial arrest. However, they were later nabbed in Grassy Park, and only one dog could be rescued at the time. The minors avoided capture again, only to be apprehended later with the second wounded dog.

Examining the dogs, both were discovered to be severely wounded, bearing the brunt of the violent clashes in the form of puncture wounds and open injuries. The two pit bulls are currently under medical care at the SPCA hospital, where investigations suggest that they might be stolen pets.

Capt. FC van Wyk of the Western Cape police confirms that the case is currently under extensive investigation. A case under Section 2A of the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 for animal cruelty has been filed against the minors, highlighting the prevalence of this vicious sport in several parts of the country.

SPCA Chief Inspector, Jaco Pieterse, describing the extent of the injuries inflicted during such fights, stressed the urgent need to clamp down on this illegal activity. Reiterating his point, he mentioned: "no animal deserves such pain and suffering. It's high time we take a stand against these perpetrators, irrespective of their age."

In an attempt to nip the growing problem in the bud, SPCA is offering a reward of R5,000 to anyone who can offer information that would lead to the arrest and successful conviction of people involved in dog fighting.