National Council of SPCAs

DOG FIGHTING

National Council of SPCAs

National Council of SPCAs

Dog fighting is a bloody "contest" in which two dogs are
made to fight for the purpose of entertainment.

National Council of SPCAs

Fights can go on for a few hours in length, ending when one of the
dogs will not or cannot continue

National Council of SPCAs

Dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration,
exhaustion, broken bones or infection hours or even days after the fight.

National Council of SPCAs

Street fighters

The dogs serve more as a status symbol and fight results are more of an
ego boost for the handlers own image and street credibility within a
neighbourhood or to settle gang disputes. At this level dogs change hands
frequently and the theft of animals is common.

National Council of SPCAs

The Hobbyists

The hobbyist group tend to be more sophisticated and organised and

purchase dogs of average ability. A much greater emphasis is placed on
the gambling involved and mass breeding for quick profit

National Council of SPCAs

The
Professionals

The serious fighters take great pride in breeding; training and fighting their own dogs.
They operate on a national and sometimes international level. High stakes matches
featuring experienced fighting dogs with established bloodlines. Its about the prestige,
the money and owning the top dog as well.

National Council of SPCAs

The punishment for losers is brutal and can
involve beatings, electrocution, strangulation
or abandonment.

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Further victims such as cats, small dogs, puppies, pit bulls who won't
fight, stolen animals or strays are often sacrificed as training fodder for
other dogs.

National Council of SPCAs

The plight and suffering of the bait dogs is horrific.

National Council of SPCAs

The brutality of the fight itself is only one small part of a lifetime of
cruelty.

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The participants often create a double life image through

involvement in legitimate dog sport activities.

National Council of SPCAs

Dog fighting is illegal in South Africa

When we as a society , fail to hold
perpetrators criminally liable for violating the
law we also sending out a message that our
legal system is weak, inconsistent and
ineffective, making a mockery of our
countries laws.

National Council of SPCAs

A large percentage of dog fighters

have extensive prior records and
are involved in further related
criminal activities

National Council of SPCAs

INVOLVEMENT IN OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES
Possible Violations of Law
Illegal Animal fighting
Animal cruelty
Gambling
Possession of concealed or stolen weapons or property
Manufacture, possession, or distribution of controlled substances
Alcohol sales
Contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Tax laws (unreported income, ill-gotten gains)
Racketeering laws
Practicing veterinary medicine without a license
Disorderly conduct/violence

National Council of SPCAs

A dog fighting investigation requires many of the
same skills and resources as investigating an
undercover narcotics investigation or other organised
crime syndicate

National Council of SPCAs