PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The ten people arrested for contradicting the Animal Protection Act, following illegal dog-fights on a farm in Plettenberg Bay on May 14, are due to appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates Court on Thursday July 15.
Eight of the accused appeared before Magistrate Len Goosen on Thursday, May 19. The case was postponed until July 15 pending further investigation. The bail period of the accused was extended and the suspects remain out on bail of R1 500 each.
Defence attorney, John Gillespie informed Goosen that the other two suspects, arrested with the group, were unable to attend. It was ruled that the men would temporarily forfeit their bail fees until their next court appearance on July 15.
Many animal rights activists staged a protest at the first court appearance.
The courtroom was full to capacity and only a handful of activists were able to witness the proceedings due to space constraints.
Animal rights activists intend to stage another protest on July 15 and are currently garnering the support of the local community.
Eight pit-bull Terriers, of which one had been seriously injured during the dog fights in question, were confiscated and are currently in protective custody.
"Dog-fighting is a premeditated, cruel and abhorrent practice that has no place in a civilised society. Dog-fighting is mis-labeled as an issue only of animal rights and abuse, not taking into account the effects of dog-fighting and the crimes associated with it," says Heidi Knight of Bitou Community Veterinary Clinic.
"The only way to put a stop to dog -fighting is to report it," says Knight.
Members of the public are urged to report suspicious activity to the relevant authorities on 044 501 3230. Suspicious events include:
- Presence of equipment associated with dogfights such as cages, pits, rings, heavy chains, weights, ramps and treadmills;
- Presence of multiple pit-bulls;
- Dogs with scars, wounds and untreated injuries;
- Blood splatters;
- Owner abusing dogs;
- Dog-fighting magazines and DVDs
- Heavy traffic of people and dogs to and from a particular property.
