Update
KNYSNA NEWS - Three men accused of being involved in dogfighting appeared briefly in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Monday 12 February, but their punishment will not be known until later this year.
The trio Sidina Mbhinqo (41), Jason Smit (19) and Tolani Honono (20) from Flenters, White Location were charged on four counts of cruelty to animals, in terms of the Animal Protection Act, at their first court appearance on 11 January, after their arrest on 10 January.
All three are out on R500 bail.
Public prosecutor Phumlani Gqalangile said, “The investigation into the matter is now complete and I request a postponement until 6 March for the defence to get docket copies.”
Margaret Mackay, a local and avid dog lover who attended the case, said: “I am here to witness justice being served and show my support for the poor dogs who can’t stand up for themselves.
"I hope the culprits will eventually be sentenced and sent to prison because it is highly unlikely that they’ll stop instigating dogfights.”
Evidence so far reveals that the suspects were implicated in the organised fighting involving four dogs, one of which died from its injuries on the night of Wednesday 10 January.
Two were later euthanised because they were too aggressive.
One dog, dubbed "Lucky" by Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS), most recently also had to be put down.
KAWS general manager Annelien Kitley said, "We unfortunately had to put Lucky down about a week ago because he went for one of our dogs and we couldn't get him off.
"It could've ended very badly because once aggressive dogs attack other dogs they only have one thing in mind and that is to destroy the other dog.
"We really thought he could be rehabilitated and we were very sad to put him down."
Kitley said they have submitted their paperwork to court to assist with the case.
Do you know of any dogfights in your area?
Knysna police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies requests members of the public to contact the station on 044 302 6687 should they know of dogfighting in their area.
"We don't have an officer that deals exclusively with dogfighting, but should members of the public indicate that there is a fight in the area, a vehicle will be dispatched."
Read previous articles:
- Fate of dog fighting trio postponed
- Dogfighters out on bail, 3 dogs dead
- 3 In court for dog fighting, 1 dog dies
ARTICLE: NWABISA PONDOYI, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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