Durban – Inspectors from the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) stood their ground when dog owners and spectators tried to intimidate them when they were following up on reports of an illegal dog racing event in KwaZulu-Natal recently.
The NSPCA said that last week it was made aware of an illegal dog racing event to be held in Dannhauser, northern KZN.
The NSPCA said that written representations, in terms of a lawyer’s letter and a warning, were sent to the organisers well beforehand, however, they had only reverted a day before the race was set to take place, to inform the NSPCA that the race would be “cancelled”.
It said that despite that, the NSPCA was suspicious that the illegal race would still continue so the NSPCA’s team obtained a warrant and prepared for an inspection as originally planned.
“When our team arrived at the area where the race was set to occur at, the area was empty. A few moments later, scores of people started appearing. Within no time, there was a large gathering of people – spectators and dog owners, with their dogs,” the NSPCA said.
It said that though the race did not occur, given the NSPCA’s presence at the scene, it does not take much to realise that had the Council not been there, the race would have certainly continued.
“The dog owners and spectators attempted to gang up on the NSPCA inspectors and intimidate them into leaving, but our inspectors persevered to protect the animals and uphold the law. The South African Police Service assisted with addressing the crowd and supported the NSPCA.
“Our inspectors and the SAPS stood their ground until the crowd had dispersed and the race could not occur,” the NSPCA said.
It added that dog racing is illegal in South Africa. “In many areas, this illegal activity is used for entertainment, and newspapers such as the Excelsior News, continue to shamelessly promote this illegal event. The NSPCA will not hesitate to take action against any person found guilty of illegal dog racing, nor will we hesitate to take action against any media outlet for promoting the event.”
The public is strongly encouraged to report any suspicious activity regarding illegal dog racing to the NSPCA at [email protected]
Daily News