Written by: NSPCA
Article source: nspca.co.za
In one of the cruellest cases of dog fighting investigated, the NSPCA has identified two teenage boys, both aged 17, as the suspected perpetrators of the crime.
On the 8th of July 2022, a graphic video of dog fighting was forwarded to the NSPCAs Special Investigations Unit (SIU) by a detective at the Aliwal North Police Station.
In the video, the teenagers can be seen inciting their two large breed pitbulls to attack a dog that they had chained in a nearby veld. The dog can be heard screaming in pain and terror as the pitbulls repeatedly tear into its flesh. The teenagers are seen laughing and encouraging their blood-covered pitbulls to continue attacking the chained dog, until eventually its bones could be heard being crushed and the dog passes away. Throughout the video, the dog could be seen repeatedly trying to escape the attack but failed because it was chained.
It was later discovered that the teenagers had stolen the dog from their neighbour, taken it to a veld and chained it. In a premeditated act of violence, cruelty and brutality the teenagers had chained the dog to facilitate being tortured and killed in an illegal dog fight for their entertainment.
The NSPCA responded to the complaint immediately. Although the chained dog had already lost its life, The NSPCA was determined to remove the remaining two pitbulls from a life of dog fighting, as well as serve justice for the dog that was mauled to death.
During their 6 hour journey to teenagers’ properties, The NSPCA Inspectors drafted their application for a warrant. Given the violent nature of the offence and the urgency of the case, the Chief Magistrate had granted the NSPCA two warrants.
On the 9th of July, the NSPCA, together with the detectives from Aliwal North SAPS, raided both properties of the teenagers in the Joe Gqabi area. Both the Pitbulls seen in the video were found chained and were removed by the NSPCA, along with another dog found on one of the properties.
The NSPCA intends to lay criminal charges against both the boys and three other spectators.
“There are more than three victims in this case. The first is the chained dog, who would’ve spent the last moments of its life in pain and terror. The second and third victims are the two Pitbulls who were robbed of their right to live normal dog lives when they were forced into the life of dogfighting by the teenagers, there could be other animal victims that we don’t know about that these boys incited an attack on too, and then… there are the countless victims of society. It has been proven that children, especially, who display a propensity of violence towards animals eventually grow up to become a threat to society. They grow up to harm women, children, elderly people and other vulnerable members of society. The level of premediated violence in this case is shocking and should certainly raise concern for the future of our country if it is to be left in the hands of children who display such barbarity.” – Marcelle Meredith, Executive Director.
Although the accuseds’ in this case are all under the age of 18, the NSPCA will relentlessly pursue justice for the dog which lost its life as well the two pitbulls that were subjected to being used for illegal dog-fighting purposes.
If you feel strongly about this case, support the NSPCA in our fight for justice and to protect more animals from suffering the same fate!
A Prayer For Animal Welfare
Almighty God, maker of all living things, in whose Fatherly wisdom we trust and depend. Enable us, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, to recognize the works of your hand in all things.
We give thanks to You, O God, for the opportunity to worship you this day and we remember with joy and gratitude, all your creatures, whose beauty and diversity enriches our lives beyond measure.
We ask Your forgiveness for the many ways in which animals are abused and exploited, through both ignorance and greed and we confess before You our part in their suffering, acknowledging the times we have remained silent, lacking the courage to speak out in their defence.
Strengthen us in our resolve as we aspire to lead the ‘simple’ life of faith and obedience, free from all earthly entrapments and material wealth, using earth’s resources wisely and thoughtfully, faithfully following the example of your servant, St. Francis of Assisi.
Help us, O Lord, as we endeavour to live in harmony with all your creatures, leaving only the footprints of true discipleship upon this earth when we leave and not the deep scars of greed and exploitation.
Encourage and inspire each one of us to grow in your likeness and to be remembered for our simplicity of heart and generosity of spirit and for our ‘oneness’ with all creation.
Grant us, O merciful God, humble and contrite hearts and a clear vision of Your purpose for us in Your world, that we may become faithful stewards of your wondrous creation. These things we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Linda J. Bodicoat
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Date published: 14/07/2022
Feature image: NSPCA
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