Chairman accused of dog figthing
It has come to light that Fanie Joubert, technical chairman of the South African American Pitbull Terrier Union was amongst those arrested during the recent dog fighting bust in Plettenberg Bay.
On Saturday, May 14, 10 people were arrested at a Ladywood smallholding for participating in illegal dog-fighting activities. On authorities’ arrival two injured Pitbull Terriers were savagely fighting in a makeshift 12mx12m cage erected inside the home. Eight dogs were confiscated.
Marnus Pretorius, chairman of South African American Pitbull Terrier Union, asserted that the union is strongly opposed to dog-fighting, and as such cannot condone its members being involved in such activities.
Joubert was suspended from his position as technical chairman and also as member of the union. According to Pretorius, this total suspension may be reviewed should Joubert be found not guilty in a Court of Law.
“Be absolutely sure that the union will act severely against any of its members that is found guilty of the act of dog-fighting. For many years now it has been the objective of the union to promote the Pitbull Breed to the world, also to help change the perception the world has regarding this great breed. Unfortunately one act like this dog-fight makes undone years of hard work in one terrible moment. The union will not stand for this. Under no circumstances will the union cover, give protection or be sympathetic to anyone of its members involved in dog fighting,” said Pretorius.
Jeanette Erasmus, president of the Pitbull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA) said she “would like to make it clear that our organisation has no ties whatsoever with the South African American Pit bull Terrier Union.”
“The PBFSA would at this time like to take the opportunity to speak out in saying that cruelty of this or any other kind is abhorrent and will not be tolerated within our ranks. The PBFSA has the responsibility to not only promote the breed and its image, as well as to encourage responsible ownership. To this end the PBFSA cannot condone or associate with entities that entertain such behaviour,” said Erasmus.
The Kwanokuthula Police are continuing to investigate the case. After their arrest the ten suspects were released on R1 500 bail each, but Joubert is one of two suspects who failed to appear in court on May 19, thus temporarily forfeiting his bail, pending the suspects’ next appearance in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrates Court on July 15.
Source: Knysna-Plett Herald
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