The raid took place in Tsakane on the East Rand, near Brakpan, and the NSPCA team was assisted by SAPS members with special operations skills.
Violent/organised dog fighting was in progress when the NSPCA task team arrived — just one of a planned series of fights.
The NSPCA confirms that everyone present at the scene was involved in illegal dog fighting and active gambling and betting on the contests were taking place.
An eye-witness member of the NSPCA task team reported that the scene was “incredibly horrific” and the member was shocked at the reality of the terrible suffering and violence experienced by these dogs.
Reference was made to the extent of the injuries of some of the dogs, some so massively wounded as to be beyond salvation.
The NSPCA shares the concerns of genuine pit bull lovers, who may have had dogs stolen. Reassurance is given in this regard, as none of the dogs rescued in the raid were stolen pets.
Each of these dog was bred by this fighting community and had been used for fighting for an extended period of time.
Criminal charges were laid in terms of the Animal Protection Act No 71 of 1962.
Boksburg SPCA manager Wilma Steynbergh says that, on behalf of those caring for animals, they are overjoyed that a syndicate of this size, on the East Rand, was stopped in its tracks.
“It is extremely difficult to stop these dog-fighting syndicates; many times the organisers get wind of the operation to track them down, and the leads grow cold,” she says.
“These illegal dog fighting rings are all over our country and this throws a huge spanner in the works for such dog-fighting rings.”
The dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion or infection, hours or even days after the fight, and very seldom do they receive proper veterinary attention for their injuries.
Hailing the raid, arrests and seizure of the dogs as a breakthrough, the NSPCA confirms that its investigations into this – and all – forms of cruelty to animals will continue.
The NSPCA asks the public to bear with us it this time, as investigations continue and full details may only be revealed when there is no danger of hampering further enquiries or obtaining additional information.
