DUE to the high rate of crime ekasi, many people have bought pitbulls to keep thugs out of their yards.
However, this has led to thugs stealing some of the dogs, which can cost up to R5 000!
On Friday night, cops and the Soweto Animal Rescue and Advisory Centre raided several houses in Soweto to recover stolen dogs.
During the operation, three people were arrested and nine dogs were rescued. Vets were also on the scene to make sure the dogs were fit and healthy.
The majority of the animals were stolen from Protea, in Soweto.
The operation was organised after the rescue centre received a tip-off.
Jerry Selwane of the centre said gangs had been stealing dogs for the past five years and it was difficult to make arrests until enough evidence was gathered.
“We had to get the necessary information before we could act,” he said.
Selwane said they found most of the animals had not been taken care of properly.
“The animals were in cages and sleeping in their own mess,” he said.
He said the three people who were arrested will be charged with animal cruelty and theft.
The owners of some of the dogs have already opened cases.
Selwane said they had discovered most of the stolen dogs were used for illegal dog fighting events held in various kasis.
“So far, we have only managed to send some suspects to prison but there are still kingpins out there who organise dog fights in the township.”
