5 Days, 2 Raids, 2 Fighting Pits, 12 Dogs, 3 Arrests

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit, continues its relentless pursuit of justice against the cruel and criminal enterprise of dogfighting.

Following a successful raid in Ottery, where we rescued five dogs, we have now uncovered yet another dogfighting ring in Eerste River.

This update provides new developments on our ongoing investigation and highlights a second major breakthrough in just five days.

EERSTE RIVER RAID UNCOVERS DOG FIGHTING RING

In an operation today, 3rd February 2025, our Inspectors, supported by Law Enforcement, raided two properties in the Eerste River area, where we found seven dogs living in horrific conditions. As in the crackdown of the property in Ottery, we found a collapsed dogfighting pit, stained with blood – grim evidence of the brutal organised fights that had taken place there.

Dogs were found on heavy chains, deprived of water, and the females were clearly being used for breeding purposes, either for financial gains of a winning bloodline or simply to sustain their bloodlust with an ongoing supply of victims.

One suspect was arrested on the scene, and we believe further arrests will be made as our investigation progresses. A case has been opened at Kleinvlei South African Police Services.

This latest bust follows our raid in Ottery, where we seized five dogs, two of whom bore unmistakable scars from dogfighting. A dog and a young puppy were found with freshly cropped ears, their wounds still stitched—also a clear act of cruelty under the Animals Protection Act.

We also confiscated dogfighting paraphernalia, including a treadmill, break-stick, medication, and we’re in the process of gathering forensic (blood) evidence for DNA testing from the fighting pit. Two suspects have now been arrested, have appeared in court and have been released on bail, in spite of our opposition.

We expect to make further arrests in this case soon.

Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, who led the operation, stated, “Dogfighting is one of the most heinous forms of cruelty, and we will not stop until those responsible are brought to justice. The suffering these dogs endure is unimaginable, and we are committed to ensuring they get the care they deserve while we fight for justice on their behalf.”

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO BRING THESE CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE

Dogfighting is not just an act of cruelty—it is a serious criminal offense. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law. However, we cannot do this alone.

With limited resources, public support is crucial in ensuring that evidence is processed efficiently and results received timeously so that the perpetrators are held accountable. Unfortunately, State services are already stretched to their limits. To ensure that we have what we need as soon as possible, we must make use of private laboratory services.

Help us Prosecute These Dog Fighters

A REWARD FOR JUSTICE

The SPCA offers a R5,000 reward for information that leads to the successful conviction of individuals involved in dogfighting. We urge the public to come forward with any suspicions or information. Read more about what to look for here

Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse emphasised, “If you see something, say something. These dogs have no voice, but we do. Every report brings us one step closer to shutting down these operations and holding those responsible accountable. Dog fighting is not just a crime against animals, its damaging to society. We need the public to stand with us and take a stand against this horrific crime.”

WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

It is a crime to be involved in any manner with the fighting of animals or to own, keep, train or breed animals used for fighting.
It is also illegal to buy, sell or import these animals.
It is a crime to incite / encourage or allow any animal to attack another animal or proceed to fight.
You are committing a crime if you allow any one of these activities to take place on a property you own, live on or have control of.
It is a crime to promote animal fighting for money or entertainment.
You are committing a crime if you rent your property or property you manage for animal fighting purposes.
It is a crime to watch a dog fight. Even being a spectator at a dog fight is a criminal offence, as is being on the same property where dog fighting is taking place.

A person found guilty for any involvement in dogfighting is liable for a fine of R80,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 24 months with a criminal record.

REPORT ANY ACT OF ILLEGAL DOGFIGHTING

Dogfighting reports can be made in strict confidence via email inspmanager@spca-ct.co.za or telephonically by calling 0217004158/9 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also report dogfighting online here

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

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Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.