KNYSNA NEWS - After nearly two years in and out of the legal loop, a trial date has finally been set for three suspects apprehended for illegal dog fighting in Knysna.
Sidina Mbhinqo (41), Jason Smit (19) and Tolani Honono (20) are set to appear in court on 27 February amid rumours that a plea bargain will be negotiated.
After the three White Location men were arrested and charged on counts of cruelty to animals, in terms of the Animal Protection Act (71 of 1962), four dogs were confiscated by the Knysna Animal Welfare Society (Kaws).
One had died from severe injuries, one dubbed "Lucky" by Kaws had to be put down due to aggression it had allegedly developed as a result of the dog fighting, while two others were alleged to have psychological damage.
According to an alleged eye witness the dogs were kept in holes carved into the ground which were used as makeshift kennels. "The conditions in which the dogs were kept were inhumane, to say the least," the witness said at the time.
Cellphone recordings allegedly showed evidence of the trio setting their dogs on each other while others watched and cheered on.
"Let's hope there won't be a plea bargain so that they will face their conviction," said Lucy Wood, who is an activist for the wellbeing of animals. "It is the magistrate's job to ensure that dog fighting is not tolerated, and is a criminal offence.
"The magistrate must use these three men as an example to other thugs involved in dog fighting."
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