Stock Image Pixabay
The Gelvandale Magistrates Court issued a warrant of arrest on Wednesday for a suspect in an animal abuse case who failed to appear in court.
The matter dates back to an incident that happened in April of 2018 when the Animal Anti-Cruelty League (AACL) was contacted about a dog fight in progress in Helenvale.
Upon their arrival, the crowd dispersed and the dogs and their owners disappeared.
The AACL said in a statement issued on Wednesday that police assisted them in tracing one of the owners who became aggressive towards inspectors when the one dog involved in the fight was removed from the premises.
It further received assistance from the SAPS Gang Unit who helped them to seize four dogs, two fighting dogs and several pitbull-cross breeds who were living in appalling conditions at a property in Helenvale.
Three suspects are facing several counts in terms of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, including animal fighting, chaining and confinement, neglect and failing to provide veterinary attention to their dogs.
The AACL says one of the suspects had passed away, one is not fit to stand trial at the moment while a third suspect failed to appear in court.
" Violence on animals escalates and leads to violence on humans. Helenvale will never be at peace until the most vulnerable community members are not respected," they added.
