The Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) together with the City’s Animal Control Unit, rescued more than six dogs in Parkwood on Thursday after video footage of three pit bull puppies being trained to fight was handed to the organisation.
According to Jaco Pieterse, Cape of Good Hope SPCA said the video footage was taken the previous day and the animal rescue until swooped on the property in Parkwood, Cape Town on Thursday.
“The video footage shows a group of youngsters, some as young as seven, enticing three pit bull terrier-type pups to attack each other. The estimated age of the pups is approximately four months,” said Pieterse.
“The pups were being trained to become fighting dogs. When the pups did not want to attack each other, they were antagonised to continue fighting. The one puppy tried to get away, but was unable to as he was held tightly on a leash, forced to defend himself.”
The teams obtained a court order to raid the property after the video showed the pit bull puppies incident.
“On the property, the inspectors found two puppies that could be seen in the video footage. The team immediately seized the two puppies and two other dogs in terms of the Animals Protection Act… The entire property was searched and further evidence was gathered,” said Pieterse.
“This resulted in two further addresses being raided by the team, The team seized a further four dogs. The adult pit bull terrier-type dogs found had severe old and new scarring, and wounds associated with dogfighting. The dogs were also being kept in dirty and parasitic conditions.”
Pieterse said the SPCA will lay criminal charges against the owners of the dogs. “Dogfighting is a barbaric sport and had no place in modern society. The rescued dogs are being kept at an undisclosed location for their safety and the safety of our staff.”