Johannesburg - Ten people were arrested in connection with illegal dog fights on a farm in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape police said on Sunday.
Captain Malcolm Pojie said police also confiscated eight Pit Bull Terriers, two of which were seriously injured, on Saturday at about 8pm.
He said police acted after a tip-off and arrangements were made with Animal Welfare to accompany police to the farm situated in the Ladywood area in Plettenberg Bay. The dog fights allegedly took place on the farm.
“When they arrived at the entrance of the farm, they found that the gate was locked. They had to remove the heavy lock and chain that was used to lock the gate. It was evident that something very suspicious was happening inside the boundaries of the farm.”
Pojie said the police’s suspicions were confirmed when they entered the house and found two Pit Bull Terriers fighting inside a cage, approximately 12m by 12m, erected in the middle of the living room.
“The two dogs were already badly injured. These two dogs, as well as another six dogs that were lined up on chains outside the house for the next fights, were confiscated.”
Pojie said the dogs were handed over to Animal Welfare for treatment and might be kept for the duration of the investigation.
Police also confiscated medicine that was usually used to treat wounded animals.
He said the 10 people were subsequently arrested and detained at the Plettenberg Bay police station on charges of contradicting the Animal Protection Act for conducting illegal animal fights.
The 10 suspects, aged between 33 and 51, were all charged and released on bail of R1 500 each.
They would appear in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate's Court on Thursday. - Sapa