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by Kotie Geldenhuys
To become a WARRIOR AGAINST DOG FIGHTING, visit this NSPCA link to see what you can do.
As the NSPCA successfully busted another dog fighting ring, whereby 14 dogs were rescued and 7 people arrested in June, we thought it would be a good idea to again feature their article Dog Fighting from a few years ago - the basics are all still the same and their work against this heinous crime continues. We urge you to share with friends and family please.
Dogs are regarded as man's best friend and many dogs enjoy an environment that offers them the companionship of other dogs and humans who love, cherish and take care of them. Unfortunately, however, there are dogs that never know this love and care, as they suffer alone in the cruel underworld of dogfighting. These dogs are owned by people who subject them to chaining, torment, injury and even torture in order to trigger extreme survival instincts and encourage aggression. Sometimes, their fate is a fight to the death, often with tens of thousands of rands at stake.
Dogfighting is illegal and unfolds in secrecy. Those community members who know about it are too scared to speak out. From time to time one hears reports about dogfighting, more now than in the past, but is it such a big issue? The reality is that dogfighting in South Africa has “blossomed” over the past few years. “The reported incident numbers grew rapidly in a short space of time by about 500%,” Wendy Willson from the NSPCA told SERVAMUS. |
What is dogfighting?
Dogfighting can be defined as a sadistic "contest" in which two dogs, which have been specifically bred and trained to fight, are placed in a small arena to fight each other for the entertainment of spectators and for gambling purposes. It is an incredibly violent organised crime that is most often linked to other criminal activities. Categories of dogfighting There are three broad categories of dogfighting:
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Sometimes the dogfighting includes betting, but the dogs serve more as status symbols and fight results are more of a boost for the handlers' own image and street credibility within a neighbourhood.
No matter what category of dogfighting is being practised, the result is always the same: horrific wounds, crushing injuries, broken bones, loss of blood and often death.
Organised crime
Dogfighting is a form of organised crime. It is a huge industry with an intricate underground web, ranging from an impromptu event in a back alley to a carefully planned and organised enterprise held in a location specially designed and maintained for the purpose of showcasing the bloody "sport" of dogfighting.
- Dogfighting as a hobby - the hobbyist tends to purchase dogs of average ability and enter them in local and regional matches, with the objective of regaining the purchase price as quickly as possible through bets. In this category, a greater emphasis is placed on the animal's breeding as well as on the gambling involved.
- Professional dogfighting - this is the most sophisticated of the three categories and is often conducted on a national and international level. In this category it is all about the dog's bloodline, and vast amounts of money are invested by owners in the breeding, training and fighting of their dogs.They participate in high-stake matches featuring experienced fighting dogs with established bloodlines. They are very well informed about welfare organisations, law enforcement agencies and any organisations that pose a threat to their activities. To the rich, it's not only about money; it's also about prestige and owning the top dog.
No matter what category of dogfighting is being practised, the result is always the same: horrific wounds, crushing injuries, broken bones, loss of blood and often death.
Organised crime
Dogfighting is a form of organised crime. It is a huge industry with an intricate underground web, ranging from an impromptu event in a back alley to a carefully planned and organised enterprise held in a location specially designed and maintained for the purpose of showcasing the bloody "sport" of dogfighting.
The NSPCA told SERVAMUS that it is not easy to calculate the amount of money involved in dogfighting. Gambling is a big part of dogfighting and, sometimes, bets take place over the Internet.There are substantial amounts of money involved, especially where dogfighting events take place on a professional level. Prizes for winners can be as substantial as double-cab bakkies," Wendy says.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), it is not unusual for an amount between $20 000 and $30 000 to change hands during a single fight. Stud fees and the sale of pups from promising bloodlines can also bring in thousands of dollars (www.aspca.org/fight-cruelty/dog-fighting/ dog-fighting-faq). Spectators at dogfights provide much of the profit associated with dogfighting.The money generated by admission fees and gambling helps to keep this cruel "sport" alive.These spectators are "willing participants" who support a criminal activity through their paid admission and attendance. In addition to the illegal animal fighting and cruelty involved, police raids have demonstrated that illegal gambling is the norm at these gatherings. Other possible violations include possession of stolen property; manufacture, possession or distribution of controlled substances; unlicensed alcohol sales; racketeering; and practising veterinary medicine without being licensed. A bloody “sport” Faron and Faron (1995) gave a report of a convicted dogfighter who described the details of one particular dogfight."Miss Rufus spent most of the rest of the fight on her back and Bandit broke her other front leg high up in the shoulder, as well as one of her back legs, in the knee joint. |
The only leg she didn't break, she chewed all to hell. She had literally scalped Miss Rufus, tearing a big chunk of skin off the top of her head alongside one ear," he said.
South Africa is no exception to dogfighting. Smillie (2013) gave reports about a dog whose muzzle was
taped and had a heavy chain preventing her from fleeing the pit bull that kept savaging her.
This dog appears on video footage recorded on a cellphone, which shows how she attempted in vain to escape the American pit bull that had been set on her for "fight training". (The photos confirm the tragic events - see the two top photos on this page.) This innocent animal, like so many others, is what is referred to as a "bait dog". The footage shows a pit bull being released and incited to attack a terrified bait dog whose mouth is tightly taped shut.The pit bull grabs her by the face and, while she attempts to escape,she is pulled back by one of the men holding the thick chain around her neck.The wounds to her face and ear are extensive. It is believed that the dog was used in further dog-baiting sessions and was eventually finished off by a pit bull when the handlers decided that she was too badly injured to carry on.This video clip led to the arrest of eight people in Atteridgeville, Pretoria in December 2013 and the rescue of seven dogs, as well as a badly injured bait dog (see below). (See the bottom photo on this page.)
South Africa is no exception to dogfighting. Smillie (2013) gave reports about a dog whose muzzle was
taped and had a heavy chain preventing her from fleeing the pit bull that kept savaging her.
This dog appears on video footage recorded on a cellphone, which shows how she attempted in vain to escape the American pit bull that had been set on her for "fight training". (The photos confirm the tragic events - see the two top photos on this page.) This innocent animal, like so many others, is what is referred to as a "bait dog". The footage shows a pit bull being released and incited to attack a terrified bait dog whose mouth is tightly taped shut.The pit bull grabs her by the face and, while she attempts to escape,she is pulled back by one of the men holding the thick chain around her neck.The wounds to her face and ear are extensive. It is believed that the dog was used in further dog-baiting sessions and was eventually finished off by a pit bull when the handlers decided that she was too badly injured to carry on.This video clip led to the arrest of eight people in Atteridgeville, Pretoria in December 2013 and the rescue of seven dogs, as well as a badly injured bait dog (see below). (See the bottom photo on this page.)
Breeding dogs to fight
Dogs used in dogfighting have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising and deep puncture wounds, and can even break bones.
The American pit bull terrier has become the most popular fighting breed in South Africa. Wendy says that pit bulls are lovely dogs and that pet pit bulls are incredibly loyal and protective of their families. Through the advent of modern dogfighting, irresponsible breeders took advantage of this dog's devotion and drive to please, as well as its high tolerance for pain and inherent loyalty and willingness to protect the people they love, and manipulated the breed to produce a highly aggressive, highly driven dog that will focus only on tearing another dog apart. Breeders who take that protectiveness and twist it into a completely unnatural and aggressive fighting gene create unstable animals which are a threat to other animals and humans. "Unfortunately, a fantastic dog is getting a bad name due to some twisted psychopaths who are breeding them for fighting. You must ask yourself about the mental state and stability of people who do such things," Wendy says. Fighting dogs are the product of an immoral, reprehensible and deviant sector of our society.
A lot of people will say that it is natural for dogs to fight, and ask: what is the issue? Animal behaviourists explain that a normal fight between two dogs seldom results in death or severe injuries. Dogs fight until dominance is established, and when one animals gives submissive signals, the other will back off. They will fight over food, territory and mates, but they will not fight to the death. This natural behaviour is quite different from what happens in staged fights, where pairs of dogs - which l, maximum, abnormal aggression and are sometimes given steroids or other drugs to enhance their performance - are forced to fight until a winner is declared.
Dogs used in dogfighting have been specifically bred and trained for fighting and are unrelenting in their attempts to overcome their opponents. With their extremely powerful jaws, they are able to inflict severe bruising and deep puncture wounds, and can even break bones.
The American pit bull terrier has become the most popular fighting breed in South Africa. Wendy says that pit bulls are lovely dogs and that pet pit bulls are incredibly loyal and protective of their families. Through the advent of modern dogfighting, irresponsible breeders took advantage of this dog's devotion and drive to please, as well as its high tolerance for pain and inherent loyalty and willingness to protect the people they love, and manipulated the breed to produce a highly aggressive, highly driven dog that will focus only on tearing another dog apart. Breeders who take that protectiveness and twist it into a completely unnatural and aggressive fighting gene create unstable animals which are a threat to other animals and humans. "Unfortunately, a fantastic dog is getting a bad name due to some twisted psychopaths who are breeding them for fighting. You must ask yourself about the mental state and stability of people who do such things," Wendy says. Fighting dogs are the product of an immoral, reprehensible and deviant sector of our society.
A lot of people will say that it is natural for dogs to fight, and ask: what is the issue? Animal behaviourists explain that a normal fight between two dogs seldom results in death or severe injuries. Dogs fight until dominance is established, and when one animals gives submissive signals, the other will back off. They will fight over food, territory and mates, but they will not fight to the death. This natural behaviour is quite different from what happens in staged fights, where pairs of dogs - which l, maximum, abnormal aggression and are sometimes given steroids or other drugs to enhance their performance - are forced to fight until a winner is declared.
Training dogs to fight
Apart from the twisted breeding methods, one should be seriously concerned about the training or so-called conditioning that these dogs go through. The dogs are sometimes put on anabolic steroids and are tied to treadmills for long periods of time to promote muscle growth and stamina.The dogs are also forced to hang on to poles by their teeth for long periods of time, to build up their jaw muscles. From puppyhood, massive chains are put around their necks. Another horrible reality is called a "cat mill", which is where the dog is tied to a rotating arm and, just out of reach on a second arm, a cage or sack is hung that contains a small animal such as a rabbit, a cat or a puppy. The dog chases the animal in the cage, but cannot catch it. Sometimes however, the dog is "rewarded" with the animal in the cage afterwards. Right from puppyhood, the dogs are given animals such as rats and mice to catch, but as they get older, they train using cats, puppies and other dogs. In South Africa,with a large stray dog population and many dogs being given "free to a good home", it is easy to find a bait dog. Sometimes, dogs are simply stolen for this purpose. A cruel death If the dogs don't die in the fights, many of them succumb to their injuries afterwards. Unless these dogs have a good history of past performance or come from a valuable bloodline, losing dogs are often discarded, left to die with their injuries untreated. If the losing dog survives the fight but is perceived to be a particular embarrassment to the reputation of its owner or its bloodline, it |
may be executed in a particularly brutal fashion such as through drowning, electrocution, hanging, strangling, shooting, being burnt alive or beaten to death, and this may even be part of the entertainment - often, owners do this to regain the respect of their peers.
Dogs that lose fights are frequently killed immediately after the fight to destroy evidence, maintain credibility and avoid the cost of treatment.
The worst thing a dog can do in a fight is to turn coward, or decide not to fight. Their fate is the same as a losing dog's fate. Sometimes, they are sacrificed publicly in the most horrific of ways, as the breeders are of the opinion that the dogs insulted the bloodline and therefore needs to be sacrificed publicly.
Dogs that fail to show an adequate amount of aggression or interest in fighting, or that lose fights, are often used as "bait" animals. Their mouths are tied up so that they cannot defend themselves and they are sacrificed to a dog that is intended to be a fighter.
Further abuse of the dogs
The abuse of dogs used in dogfighting is not confined to the ring. These dogs are not allowed to live normal lives. The abuse suffered by the dogs at the hands of their owners are often constant, with the brutality of the fight itself typically only serving as the culmination of a life of cruelty.
These dogs spend their days chained in places with extraordinarily heavy chains or are kept locked up in cages. When not chained, they are fighting or in training. Dogs are social animals, but these dogs are neglected and receive little to no socialisation. Wendy says that, often, they are exposed to the elements and have limited shelter, often living in small cages in filthy conditions. To enhance aggressiveness, the animals are frequently antagonised, beaten or starved.
Dogfighters rarely seek professional veterinary care and post-fight attention for their dogs and operations such as the illegal cropping of ears and docking of tails are done with dull, unsterilised implements, without anaesthetic or post-op medical attention.
Dogs that are good fighters will often be used for breeding. They are usually kept alone and are chained up for their whole lives. Sometimes, these dogs are so aggressive that they exhibit completely dysfunctional mating behaviour and the females have to be strapped down to a structure called a "rape stand". "If someone is willing to strap a dog to a rape stand, one must be very concerned not only about the nature of the dog but about the nature of the man," Wendy says.
Dogs that lose fights are frequently killed immediately after the fight to destroy evidence, maintain credibility and avoid the cost of treatment.
The worst thing a dog can do in a fight is to turn coward, or decide not to fight. Their fate is the same as a losing dog's fate. Sometimes, they are sacrificed publicly in the most horrific of ways, as the breeders are of the opinion that the dogs insulted the bloodline and therefore needs to be sacrificed publicly.
Dogs that fail to show an adequate amount of aggression or interest in fighting, or that lose fights, are often used as "bait" animals. Their mouths are tied up so that they cannot defend themselves and they are sacrificed to a dog that is intended to be a fighter.
Further abuse of the dogs
The abuse of dogs used in dogfighting is not confined to the ring. These dogs are not allowed to live normal lives. The abuse suffered by the dogs at the hands of their owners are often constant, with the brutality of the fight itself typically only serving as the culmination of a life of cruelty.
These dogs spend their days chained in places with extraordinarily heavy chains or are kept locked up in cages. When not chained, they are fighting or in training. Dogs are social animals, but these dogs are neglected and receive little to no socialisation. Wendy says that, often, they are exposed to the elements and have limited shelter, often living in small cages in filthy conditions. To enhance aggressiveness, the animals are frequently antagonised, beaten or starved.
Dogfighters rarely seek professional veterinary care and post-fight attention for their dogs and operations such as the illegal cropping of ears and docking of tails are done with dull, unsterilised implements, without anaesthetic or post-op medical attention.
Dogs that are good fighters will often be used for breeding. They are usually kept alone and are chained up for their whole lives. Sometimes, these dogs are so aggressive that they exhibit completely dysfunctional mating behaviour and the females have to be strapped down to a structure called a "rape stand". "If someone is willing to strap a dog to a rape stand, one must be very concerned not only about the nature of the dog but about the nature of the man," Wendy says.
The perpetrators
There is a perception that dogfighting is a "poor person sport"; that people who fight dogs do it for entertainment and illegal gambling.The reality is that the people who promote, participate and are spectators at dogfighting events are from all types of communities and backgrounds and include professional people such as doctors, lawyers, and religious leaders, as well as high-profile businessmen, police officials and teachers. The list is ongoing.The participants are well aware that what they are doing is illegal, but they continue doing so. South African dogfighters often claim that dogfighting is part of their heritage or that it's part of their culture, but this does not mean that it is right or even acceptable. At one stage, South Africa allowed slavery, lacked laws against child abuse, allowed corporal punishment, and refused women the vote ... besides this,the blood "sport" of dogfighting has its roots in British culture. Enforcement Although dogfighting is illegal in South Africa, it has largely been ignored by law enforcement and the laws against it are shockingly under-enforced. However, one also has to note that dogfighting is a violent and highly secretive enterprise which is extremely difficult for law enforcement and investigative professionals to infiltrate. Those involved in dogfighting go to extreme limits to hide their activities and to avoid detection by law enforcement. |
Therefore, investigations can be difficult, dangerous and expensive. Wendy says that a dogfighting investigation requires many of the same skills and resources as an undercover narcotics investigation, and challenges the resources of any agency that seeks to respond to it.
The NSPCA, SAPS and other law enforcers engage in joint operations when it comes to tackling dogfighting. For this reason, the NSPCA has produced a specific document, entitled "Guidelines for enforcement of animal fighting laws", which is provided to law enforcers to inform them about what to do and what to expect at a dogfighting event or crime scene. One important warning that must be issued to police members responding to such an event is to be aware of the fact that the organisers may turn the dogs loose to create a diversion and attempt to flee. As this is a normal crime scene, all evidence must be preserved and photos must be taken, similarly to any other criminal case.
Once the scene has been secured, all animals should be examined by an SPCA inspector and a veterinarian to determine the extent of their injuries. Carcasses of any deceased animals found at the site should also be photographed, as they were found, and examined by a veterinarian to establish the cause of death, which must be documented.
Dogfighters tend to keep a considerable amount of incriminating evidence on the properties where their dogs are confined, as well as in their homes and vehicles. This includes the following:
Arresting perpetrators
On 3 November 2013, the NSPCA coordinated the largest successful raid on a dogfighting ring since 1995. Together with the SPCA, 14 dogs were rescued and 18 people were arrested in Tsakane on the Gauteng East Rand after they were caught in the act of dogfighting. A veterinarian euthanised eight of the dogs due to the seriousness and extent of their injuries and suffering. Unfortunately, a lot of the evidence got lost, as police members failed to secure important evidence and handed other evidence back to the owners prior to the trial. The NSPCA is dedicated to ensuring that this case is taken seriously to serve as an example for other perpetrators.
In the early morning hours of 5 December 2013, the NSPCA rescued eight dogs and arrested eight people in connection with dogfighting in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. It is believed that three of these dogs may have been stolen from loving homes.
How the community can help
As South Africa has an unfortunate reputation for soft law enforcement, more and more international players enter the country for dogfighting reasons. Furthermore, it is also easy to bribe the authorities and, if caught,the legal process is slow.
The NSPCA says that securing successful convictions for dogfighting has its challenges due to its highly secretive and "undercover" nature. If they are caught red-handed, there is always the problem of evidence going missing, as dogfighters infiltrate law enforcement and animal welfare
organisations. Therefore, the NSPCA relies on the community as a whole to stand up and report dogfighting if they become aware of it. "When we, as a society, fail to hold perpetrators criminally liable for violating this law as well as other animal cruelty laws, we are not only condoning that behaviour and the corresponding crimes associated with it, but also sending out a message that our legal system is weak, inconsistent and ineffective, making a mockery of animal protection laws," Wendy says.
Children exposed to violence
People constantly ask why South Africa has such a violent element and what can be done to change it, but here, we have the very violent activity of dogfighting being condoned by communities at all societal levels. This form of violence is accepted and watched by spectators that include children, who are often taken along to these fights by enthusiasts who view this violent bloody sport as a family event. How can one still ask why these children grow up to be so violent and without empathy?
Wendy says that virtually all children in highcrime urban areas and informal settlements are exposed to dogfighting in their own neighbourhoods and that this routine exposure to unfettered animal abuse and neglect is a major contributing factor in their later manifestation of social deviance. Many active street fighters are teenagers, with younger children watching or actively participating in the fights, which often serve as an introduction to gang life.These children grow up in a culture where violence is accepted and celebrated, and the children thus grow up thinking that it is normal. According to Wendy, it is well-documented that, by exposing children to such cruel brutality and repeated violence, they become desensitised and tend to perpetuate that cycle of violence, as well as promoting insensitivity towards animal suffering, an enthusiasm for violence and disrespect for the law.
Furthermore, the huge amount of recent research evidence linking animal abuse to human violence is ever-growing. Various studies have shown that high incident levels of animal abuse are found in the childhood histories of violent criminals, child abusers and perpetrators of domestic violence, and can be used as a sentinel indicator of other social problems and acts of interpersonal violence. Animal cruelty, child abuse, spousal abuse and rape are about power and control. Aggression begins with a real or perceived injustice. The person feels powerless and it makes them feel better to dominate a vulnerable animal or person. In order to feel powerful, the perpetrator always has to win and will thus choose a victim least likely to retaliate, or least capable of retaliating. Killing or injuring animals to exercise control is highly indicative of the perpetrator's ability to do the same to a human victim (http://nminvestigates.townsendwebdd.com/ content/specialized_cases/specialized_ cases17.php).
The secrecy surrounding these activities is high, and therefore the NSPCA relies on upstanding individuals and members the public to assist them in combating this crime and to keep them informed about possible dogfighting rings.The first step in combating dogfighting is for individuals to alert the authorities to any suspected or actual dogfighting activities in their area. We, as a community, must stand up and say "NO - it is wrong and we will not tolerate it".
If you have any information about dogfighting, contact the NSPCA at tel:(011) 907 3590; fax: 011 907 4013 or send an e-mail to [email protected]
The NSPCA, SAPS and other law enforcers engage in joint operations when it comes to tackling dogfighting. For this reason, the NSPCA has produced a specific document, entitled "Guidelines for enforcement of animal fighting laws", which is provided to law enforcers to inform them about what to do and what to expect at a dogfighting event or crime scene. One important warning that must be issued to police members responding to such an event is to be aware of the fact that the organisers may turn the dogs loose to create a diversion and attempt to flee. As this is a normal crime scene, all evidence must be preserved and photos must be taken, similarly to any other criminal case.
Once the scene has been secured, all animals should be examined by an SPCA inspector and a veterinarian to determine the extent of their injuries. Carcasses of any deceased animals found at the site should also be photographed, as they were found, and examined by a veterinarian to establish the cause of death, which must be documented.
Dogfighters tend to keep a considerable amount of incriminating evidence on the properties where their dogs are confined, as well as in their homes and vehicles. This includes the following:
- There may be pry bars/bite sticks/breaking sticks on the premises - these are pieces of plastic or wood of varying length, thin at one end and wider at the other. They are used to pry open the jaws of a dog that has a death grip upon another dog.
- Look out for chains, ropes or spring-poles hanging from beams with various items attached to them (such as tyres, or live/dead cats or puppies in bags) - in training, the dog "locks on" to the items with its jaws and hangs there for long periods, which builds strength in the jaw and neck muscles.
- There may be documentary evidence such as dogfighting publications; evidence of visiting relevant sites on the Internet; or other online services devoted to dogfighting; photographs; trophies; films or written material depicting dogfighting, training or conditioning; cameras/cellphones used to record dogfighting activity; records pertaining to dog breeding, ownership, sale invoices, etc.
- Generally, police will find mainly pit bulls at such premises, but other dog breeds may be present as well. They are normally missing pieces of their ears, an eye, or toes; and may have current bite marks or scars around necks, shoulders and legs.
- There may be bottles containing various vitamins, steroids or antibiotics, or various vials that may contain medications as well as needles and syringes. Investigators should also look for surgical needles or suture kits.
- There may be weights of various sizes attached to dog collars or the dogs may be wearing heavy chains with padlocks around the neck. These are worn to develop strength in neck muscles or to restrain fighting dogs.
- Saline solutions in plastic bags may be on the premises. These are used to rehydrate dogs' bodies after strenuous activities. Also look for wash buckets, sponges and rehydration liquids.
- There may even be treadmills (similar to those used in a gym) that are used by dogfighters to build strength and stamina in a dog, as well as weight scales, fighting enclosures or pits.
Arresting perpetrators
On 3 November 2013, the NSPCA coordinated the largest successful raid on a dogfighting ring since 1995. Together with the SPCA, 14 dogs were rescued and 18 people were arrested in Tsakane on the Gauteng East Rand after they were caught in the act of dogfighting. A veterinarian euthanised eight of the dogs due to the seriousness and extent of their injuries and suffering. Unfortunately, a lot of the evidence got lost, as police members failed to secure important evidence and handed other evidence back to the owners prior to the trial. The NSPCA is dedicated to ensuring that this case is taken seriously to serve as an example for other perpetrators.
In the early morning hours of 5 December 2013, the NSPCA rescued eight dogs and arrested eight people in connection with dogfighting in Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. It is believed that three of these dogs may have been stolen from loving homes.
How the community can help
As South Africa has an unfortunate reputation for soft law enforcement, more and more international players enter the country for dogfighting reasons. Furthermore, it is also easy to bribe the authorities and, if caught,the legal process is slow.
The NSPCA says that securing successful convictions for dogfighting has its challenges due to its highly secretive and "undercover" nature. If they are caught red-handed, there is always the problem of evidence going missing, as dogfighters infiltrate law enforcement and animal welfare
organisations. Therefore, the NSPCA relies on the community as a whole to stand up and report dogfighting if they become aware of it. "When we, as a society, fail to hold perpetrators criminally liable for violating this law as well as other animal cruelty laws, we are not only condoning that behaviour and the corresponding crimes associated with it, but also sending out a message that our legal system is weak, inconsistent and ineffective, making a mockery of animal protection laws," Wendy says.
Children exposed to violence
People constantly ask why South Africa has such a violent element and what can be done to change it, but here, we have the very violent activity of dogfighting being condoned by communities at all societal levels. This form of violence is accepted and watched by spectators that include children, who are often taken along to these fights by enthusiasts who view this violent bloody sport as a family event. How can one still ask why these children grow up to be so violent and without empathy?
Wendy says that virtually all children in highcrime urban areas and informal settlements are exposed to dogfighting in their own neighbourhoods and that this routine exposure to unfettered animal abuse and neglect is a major contributing factor in their later manifestation of social deviance. Many active street fighters are teenagers, with younger children watching or actively participating in the fights, which often serve as an introduction to gang life.These children grow up in a culture where violence is accepted and celebrated, and the children thus grow up thinking that it is normal. According to Wendy, it is well-documented that, by exposing children to such cruel brutality and repeated violence, they become desensitised and tend to perpetuate that cycle of violence, as well as promoting insensitivity towards animal suffering, an enthusiasm for violence and disrespect for the law.
Furthermore, the huge amount of recent research evidence linking animal abuse to human violence is ever-growing. Various studies have shown that high incident levels of animal abuse are found in the childhood histories of violent criminals, child abusers and perpetrators of domestic violence, and can be used as a sentinel indicator of other social problems and acts of interpersonal violence. Animal cruelty, child abuse, spousal abuse and rape are about power and control. Aggression begins with a real or perceived injustice. The person feels powerless and it makes them feel better to dominate a vulnerable animal or person. In order to feel powerful, the perpetrator always has to win and will thus choose a victim least likely to retaliate, or least capable of retaliating. Killing or injuring animals to exercise control is highly indicative of the perpetrator's ability to do the same to a human victim (http://nminvestigates.townsendwebdd.com/ content/specialized_cases/specialized_ cases17.php).
The secrecy surrounding these activities is high, and therefore the NSPCA relies on upstanding individuals and members the public to assist them in combating this crime and to keep them informed about possible dogfighting rings.The first step in combating dogfighting is for individuals to alert the authorities to any suspected or actual dogfighting activities in their area. We, as a community, must stand up and say "NO - it is wrong and we will not tolerate it".
If you have any information about dogfighting, contact the NSPCA at tel:(011) 907 3590; fax: 011 907 4013 or send an e-mail to [email protected]