cape of good hope spca dogfighting

Photo: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

SPCA: Cape Town dogfighting suspects arrested; both linked to murders

Cape of Good Hope SPCA inspectors tracked down and rescued two animals that were involved in a dogfighting video they saw on Monday.

cape of good hope spca dogfighting

Photo: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA was spurred to action after seeing a dogfighting video on Monday, 31 May. The next day Inspectors from the animal welfare organisation petitioned the Wynberg Court for a warrant to remove the dogs from their hellish environment.

When SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse and Inspector Mark Syce – accompanied by Cape Town Law Enforcement officers and members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) – arrived at the Manenberg property where the dogfight allegedly took place, they were met by more than they bargained for.

DOGFIGHTING SUSPECTS ARRESTED

The SPCA said it managed to find the original video of the dogfight on the phone of one of the suspect’s at the property in Manenberg, Cape Town. The suspect was also positively identified by the clothing worn in the video.

The suspect was arrested by SAPS and a second suspect was also tracked down and taken into custody – he is currently detained at the Manenberg Police Station as well.

The dogs that were found at the property have been taken into the care of the SPCA and have undergone veterinary assessment.

SUSPECTS LINKED TO MURDER CASES

Pieterse and Syce said that dogfighting forms part of a larger of criminal subculture, which proved to be the case in this situation too. Both of the suspects that were arrested have rap sheets that list very serious offences. The animal welfare organisation said it was shocked by the “depravity” of the two individuals.

“It was discovered that the first suspect has three existing criminal charges against him – two for attempted murder and one for the illegal possession of a firearm,” said the SPCA. The second suspect was also wanted for attempted murder.

There is no doubt in our minds that a strong link connects animal cruelty and violence towards people,” said the SPCA.