Reportedly widespread in South Africa, this blood sport is considered by animal advocates to be one of the most serious forms of animal abuse, not only for the violence that the dogs endure during and after the fights, but because of the suffering they often endure in training.
Dog-fighting: a local crisis
According to a harrowing, yet insightful presentation given by Inspector Salomé Botha from the Garden Route SPCA during a fundraising breakfast, hosted at the Protea Hotel in Mossel Bay last Saturday, dog fighting in the Garden Route is on the increase.
Various factors, such as the high rate of unemployment, contribute to this illegal activity. Pit bull terriers, the favoured breed for dog fighting, are often seen as status symbols and a link between illegal dog fighting and gangsterism has been established.
According to Inspector Botha, Mossel Bay presents an even bigger problem than George, considering the number of pit bull terriers around, giving rise to concerns regarding the occurrence of dog fighting.
"Our problem is that these activities are kept completely under cover and therefore tip-offs are few and far between," says Botha.
She mentioned that there are three types of dog fights occurring, namely: street fighting, often provoked by insults between dog owners; hobbyists, who arrange fights as a pastime; and the high stakes professional dog fighting. The latter is being run by often ruthless individuals who own up to 50 dogs, literally trained to kill.
'Bait' animals are animals used to test a dog's fighting instinct; they are often mauled or killed in the process. Botha explained that bait animals are obtained from several sources: wild or feral animals, animals obtained from a shelter, or in some cases, stolen pets. She warned that some animals are also obtained through 'free to a good home' advertisements.
Botha went into further detail with regards to how dogs are aggravated by being held in closed up cages, whilst backyard ear cropping and docking of tails are done, often mutilating the animals. Dogs wounded after fights are not given treatment and when too badly hurt, simply disposed of in the worst possible way.
The alternative: If you can't beat them, join them!
Regardless of this grave background, Botha announced the SPCA's initiative, which is already successfully implemented in George, to help curb dog fighting.
"Rather than trying to eradicate the ownership of pit bulls, we have come up with a plan to offer pit bull owners a sensible alternative to dog fighting," she said.
The Pit-Bull Club was started, offering pit bull owners free training of their dogs to not only obey basic demands, but to do dog jumping and complete obstacle courses. An expert in dog training from the SAPD in George, as well as a private trainer has come on board with the SPCA and a local school has offered its premises as training ground.
Club members are given caps, T-shirts bearing the club slogan 'Real men fight crime…not dogs' and they are rewarded with certificates and grading as incentive. Dogs are given performance rewards and irrespective of the dog's breed, all dogs and their owners can join in to learn how to treat their animals.
"We are amazed at what the dogs and their owners have achieved," said Botha. She also commented on the positive impact that the visibility of regular training sessions has had within the community.
"It is imperative that we launch and implement the Pit-Bull Club in Mossel Bay, because it is the only curb to this dreadful blood sport."
In order to successfully establish the Pit-Bull Club in Mossel Bay, the SPCA calls on anyone with competent dog training skills to join them in their effort. A suitable venue to use as training ground is also required. Other donations welcomed include food (to use as treats during training), collars, leashes and vouchers as incentives for dog owners.
Any interested parties can contact Salome Botha on 044 874 1990 or 082 378 7384.
Inspector Salomé Botha (left) of the Garden Route SPCA is dedicated to implementing a plan that will help combat dog fighting. Here she is with her sister Rika Bouwer and event sponsors, Janine and Gareth Shippen, from Café Gannet.
