KNYSNA NEWS - Three suspects from White Location appeared briefly in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 11 January in connection with dog fighting and were released on bail after being charged with four counts of cruelty to animals, in terms of the Animal Protection Act.

The three accused names are Sidina Mbhinqo (41), Jason Smit (19) and Tolani Honono (20).

Evidence so far reveals that they were implicated in organised fighting involving four dogs, one of which died from its injuries on the night of Wednesday 10 January, while two dogs were euthanised and only one dog is now in the care of the Knysna Animal Welfare Society (KAWS).

After reading the charges to the accused, public prosecutor Linden Windvogel said the State was not opposed to giving the suspects bail, but under two conditions: 

“That they cannot have any animals in their care – if they can’t take care of dogs they can’t take care of any animal – and the second condition is that they should not instigate or be involved in any way with animal fights."

The prosecutor said should they fail to comply with these conditions they would be kept in custody until their case was concluded.

Further investigation
Windvogel asked that the case be postponed to 12 February for further investigation. “We’re still waiting for information from the SPCA,” he said.

The suspects’ defence attorney from Legal Aid, Shaun Jacobs, agreed to the conditions.

Magistrate Zolelwa Nomzaza asked the defence how much the suspects could afford to pay for their bail and Jacobs advised the court they could each pay R500.

Nomzaza read the conditions again and added, “You are to remain in custody until you pay bail and should you not obey the conditions you will be arrested.”

Knysna police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies explained the arrests: "The police received information about possible illegal dogfights at a house in Flenters location, Knysna and immediately reacted by dispatching members attached to the Knysna crime prevention unit to the said address. 

"Based on the information received, they conducted a search at the premises and found visuals on one of the suspect’s cellphone portraying a dogfight."

Adding to this, Spies said the content of the video clearly constitutes a transgression in terms of animal protection legislation.

"The information that was followed up led to the find of four dogs, of which one was severely injured and had to be put down by a veterinarian. 

"The remaining dogs were taken to Knysna Animal Welfare to be cared for and treated for the injuries sustained during these illegal fights," he concluded.

Volatile animals
KAWS explained how they had to handle the dogs in their care. 

General manager Annelien Kitley said, "Unfortunately two of the dogs had to put down because they were aggressive. 

"Dealing with dogs that have been through such incidents is very tricky because some look fine until something triggers them, and it could be the way a person walks, a smell, anything really."

She confirmed that one of the dogs died despite being treated, she was so severely injured.

"One dog is still with us and we're still assisting him and hoping to put him up for adoption. I'm really holding thumbs on this one because one can never really know how deep the psychological damage is."

Kitley commended the Knysna police, especially officer Rassie Erasmus. Kitley said, according to her information, that two of the dogs had been found hidden underground.

Dogfights are something KAWS hears about, but by the time they or Knysna protection services gets to the reported location, the people and their animals have vanished.

"It is very hard to get to a dogfight because these people are a close group who protect each other," she explained.

Kaws general manager Retha Havenga and Kitley were in consensus when they said the court was too lenient on the suspects.

Havenga said, "They should've been kept in custody. I really hope they will be sentenced according to the Animal Cruelty Act and get a heavier sentence. 

"They are dogfighters and will not stop as they even managed to hide and keep dogs underground."

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