IGHVELD – Twelve hunting dogs were confiscated at a farm where they were hunting illegally.
The Highveld Ridge SPCA, working with the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency and the South African Police Service, confiscated the dogs on a farm outside Trichardt on Saturday, 7 May.
The owner of the farm contacted the SPCA early on Saturday morning to complain about dogs hunting illegally on his property.
When the SPCA arrived, they found the dogs and six people who initially denied ownership of the dogs.
The SPCA also found a small indigenous hare that had been ripped apart by the dogs.
When Senior Inspector Jenneth Geel explained to the men that hunting with dogs is illegal throughout South Africa, that hunting of indigenous animals is illegal regardless of the method used to hunt, and that the dogs would have to be destroyed if no owner was able to take responsibility, the men changed their story and claimed ownership of the dogs.
A man was arrested, but the five others were released into the custody of a community elder as they were young children.
The animals were taken to the Highveld Ridge SPCA kennels to be assessed and checked for injuries.
Upon examination of the dogs, older injuries were found, including a severe infection, numerous smaller cuts and abrasions and one severely damaged eye.
It was clear that these animals had received some form of first-aid treatment, but that the eye injury for example was not treated properly.
“This dog should have been seen by a vet.
“It will now have to have an operation and have the eyelid sown shut in an attempt to save the eye,” said Ms Geel.
It is suspected that these dogs were being used as part of an illegal gambling hunt.
Dogs are taken into the veld and set loose in large packs, while the owners bet money on them.
The owner of the dog that makes the most “impressive” kill, wins the bet and receives the cash.
“This is not about hunting for food. this is about sport and using the animals to make money.
“A small buck would be more impressive than a rabbit or a bird, but a snake might trump the buck,” explained Ms Geel.
In an attempt to educate the children involved, all the animals will be micro-chipped at the cost of the owners.
“We will micro-chip every single dog found hunting and educate the owner about the illegality of the practice and the possibility of criminal prosecution.
“Should we find that dog hunting again, we will know that our attempt at education was ignored and the matter will be taken further.”
The owners of the dogs were present at the Highveld Ridge SPCA offices on Monday morning , but because of the illegality of their actions and the involvement of the Mpumalanga Parks and Tourism Agency, the fate of the animals was still unknown.
Ms Geel said: “There are non profit organisations that worked in this area with the dogs in question, but do not take the time to educate the owners about the dangers of hunting with dogs.
“The dogs are bred, kept hungry and then forced to hunt, putting them and their owners in danger.
“This is not fair to the animals or the community.”
