Dogfighter gets his day
Billy Marais, the first accused in the Plettenberg Bay dog-fighting case, was sentenced in the Knysna Regional Court on Monday, July 29.
In May 2011, ten men were caught in the act of illegal Pitbull fighting activities at Marais’ residence, a farm in Ladywood. They were detained on charges of contradicting the Animal Protection Act, Act 71 of 1962.
More than two years after the incident, Marais was sentenced to 18 months correctional supervision under house arrest during which time he will only be allowed to go to work and will not be permitted to use any alcohol or drugs apart from medications prescribed by a doctor. He was fined R20 000, half of which is suspended for four years. He will also need to complete a total of 288 hours of community service: 16 hours per month for 18 months at the Krugersdorp SPCA. He was further instructed to undergo counselling for anger management and social skills.
Marais left Plettenberg Bay shortly after his arrest in 2011 when his then employers, a local restaurant distanced themselves from him and spoke out against his actions. He will need to report to his correctional supervisor once a month and will be subject to random visits. A four-year suspended sentence hangs over his head which means that should he contravene any of the conditions of his current sentence, he will be given 24 months imprisonment.
“We are delighted with the sentence, even though we are disappointed that the prosecution did not pursue an order in terms of section 3.1C of the Animal Protection Act 71 of 1962, which would have declared him unfit to own animals. However, we cannot fault the presiding officer in not granting this as it emerged from the sentencing that the State conceded that this was not an organised event but rather an experiment of sorts as put forward by the defence. But we are relieved that Marais will have to contribute to society instead of being a burden to the taxpayer by being kept in prison,” said Karel Du Toit, former chairperson of KAWS who commented on their behalf as the complainant in the matter.
Eight Pitbull Terriers were euthanased as a direct result of the actions of the ten accused. Two of the dogs suffered serious injury during the illegal dogfights, but all were extremely stressed as a result of being held, as evidenced for an extended period. The euthanasia was a humane act.
Following the arrests in 2011, SAPS media liaison, Malcolm Pojie said, “Police acted on information that was received from a member of the public. Consequent to the information that was received, arrangements were made with Animal Welfare to accompany the police to the address.” Upon arrival at the entrance to the farm, they found the gate locked and police had to remove the heavy lock and chain to gain access.
“It was evident that something very suspicious was happening inside the boundaries of the farm,” Pojie said. “Their suspicion was confirmed when they entered the house and made the horrific discovery of two Pitbull Terriers fighting inside a cage, approximately 12m by 12m in size, that had been erected in the centre of the living room. The two dogs were already badly injured.”
Johannes (Fanie) Joubert, Ferdinand Endeman and Anthony Blake, were each fined R15 000 or 18 months imprisonment of which R10 000 or 12 months were suspended for three years when their sentences were handed down in the Knysna Regional Court in May.
The remaining six accused pleaded not guilty. Their trial will commence on Monday, October 7 and continue until October 11 in the Knysna Regional Court.
ARTICLE: CANDICE LUDICK, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD JOURNALIST
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Source: Knysna-Plett Herald