Roodepoort SPCA confiscates dogs during dog fight
ROODEPOORT – According to the SPCA, dog fighting is common in the area.
Six dogs owned by different people from the Roodepoort area were rescued by the Roodepoort SPCA during illegal dog fighting recently.
The SPCA allegedly confiscated the dogs after they caught the owners red-handed in the local streets.
The institution revealed that dog fighting is common in the area.
SPCA Inspector Mike Allen warned that forcing dogs to fight is a crime and people can be prosecuted.
“We were alerted by residents about these men and their ‘games’. It is animal cruelty,” he said.
Insp Allen said on his arrival, he found the dogs in a fight, he had to confiscate the dogs and charge the owners.
He explained that some owners do this for money while some want to boast whose dog is more powerful than the other.
“To some it is a form of entertainment. They just enjoy seeing animals fighting,” he said.
Insp Allen alleged that there are people travelling as far as overseas to SA just for dog fights.
“We find this unacceptable because in the process the dogs get serious injuries, and unlike human boxers, dogs are forced to fight, it is not their choice,” he said.
SPCA adoption receptionist Michelle Kok said she feels connected to the dogs and she gave some of them names.
“One of the rescued dogs is female, so I call her Mother,” said Kok.
“I find it disturbing when people abuse dogs, I love these animals,” she said.
According to several websites, dog fighting is a type of blood sport generally defined as pitting two dogs against one another in a ring or a pit for the entertainment of spectators or the gratification of dog fighters, who are sometimes referred to as dog men.
Dog fights usually last until one dog is declared a winner, which occurs when one of the dogs fails to scratch, dies or jumps out of the pit.
The loser, if not killed in the fight, is typically killed by the owner by being shot, beaten or tortured.
However, sometimes dog fights end without declaring a winner.
Dog fighting generates revenue from stud fees, admission fees and gambling.
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