Cape Town - Inspectors from the Cape of Good Hope Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) have arrested three men, during a bust in two raids in Eerste River and Ottery, Cape Town.

The first raid in Ottery took place last week while the latest was on Monday in Eerste River.

SPCA spokesperson Belinda Abraham said they were working in collaboration with the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement Animal Control Unit.

“We are alarmed. Two major dogfighting operations have been uncovered just 30km apart – one in Ottery and another in Eerste River. These are only the second and third full-scale rings we’ve found since 2021 when we raided an organised dogfight in progress in Atlantis.

“Most reports involve street fighting, but these discoveries suggest a much larger, more organised problem.

This is likely just the tip of the iceberg.

“We need communities to be vigilant and look out for single properties with several pitbull-type dogs living on chains, dogs with mangled or cropped ears and scarring predominantly on their face, chest, and legs as well as the presence of equipment like treadmills, break-sticks and fighting pit structures whether collapsed or erect.

“Following a successful raid in Ottery, where we rescued five dogs, we have now uncovered yet another dogfighting ring in Eerste River. This update provides new developments on our ongoing investigation and highlights a second major breakthrough in just five days.

“In an operation, our inspectors, supported by Law Enforcement, raided two properties in the Eerste River area, where we found seven dogs living in horrific conditions. As in the crackdown of the property in Ottery, we found a collapsed dogfighting pit, stained with blood – grim evidence of the brutal organised fights that had taken place there.”

She explained the dogs were found with heavy chains, deprived of water, and the females were being used for breeding purposes, either for financial gains of a winning bloodline or to provide an ongoing supply of victims.

“One suspect was arrested on the scene, and we believe further arrests will be made as our investigation progresses. A case has been opened at Kleinvlei South African Police Services.”

Abraham said during the Ottery raid, a dog and a puppy were found with freshly cropped ears, their wounds still stitched.

“We also confiscated dogfighting paraphernalia, including a treadmill, break-stick, and medication, and we’re in the process of gathering forensic (blood) evidence for DNA testing from the fighting pit.

“Two suspects have now been arrested, have appeared in court, and have been released on bail, despite our opposition. We expect to make further arrests in this case soon.”

Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse, who led the operation, said: “Dogfighting is one of the most heinous forms of cruelty, and we will not stop until those responsible are brought to justice.

“The suffering these dogs endure is unimaginable, and we are committed to ensuring they get the care they deserve while we fight for justice on their behalf.

“Dogfighting is not just an act of cruelty – it is a serious criminal offence.

We are committed to ensuring that those responsible face the full force of the law. However, we cannot do this alone.”

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said two suspects aged 20 and 39 years were arrested on January 30 under the Animal Protection Plan

Act in Ottery and appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court. Twigg also confirmed they are investigating the same charge in Kleinvlei.

Cape Argus