Two men have been convicted of animal cruelty after a two-year investigation by the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) into a dog fighting complaint in the Northern Cape. The sentence, a wholly suspended fine, does not reflect the seriousness of the crime.
On 30 January 2024, the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit (SPU) received a complaint about a suspected dog fight in the Britstown area, accompanied by a video of the event. Inspector Sibande and Senior Inspector Semenya travelled from the NSPCA’s offices in Alberton, Gauteng, to Britstown to investigate.
The Inspectors located the suspects, and a warrant was obtained and executed at both properties. The dogs identified in the video were found and surrendered to the NSPCA. They were found chained, with untreated wounds. One emaciated dog, who was ill, had allegedly been forced to fight in that condition.
Charges were laid against both accused for animal cruelty and dog fighting under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962 (APA). After more than two years of follow-ups, the case was finalised on 6 August 2026 at the Britstown Magistrate’s Court.
The accused, Mr Christopher Boesak and Mr Geriaan Maritz, each pleaded guilty to animal cruelty under section 2(1)(b) of the APA. Regrettably, the State decided not to pursue a separate charge for animal fighting, in terms of section 2A of the APA, despite being included in the docket by the NSPCA.
Each was sentenced to a fine of R2,000 or six months’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years on condition that they do not reoffend.
“Dog fighting is illegal under the APA, and it is closely linked to other criminal activity that harms the people, children, and communities where it happens,” says Senior Inspector De Klerk, manager of the NSPCA’s Special Projects Unit. “A wholly suspended fine does not reflect the cruelty of this case or the harm it causes, and it does little to deter others. The NSPCA is calling for sentences that treat organised animal cruelty as the serious crime it is.”
The NSPCA investigates dog fighting because of its cruelty to the animals involved and its links to other criminal activity, and it will continue to pursue these cases and press for stronger sentencing outcomes.
The NSPCA asks the public to report dog fighting to nspca@nspca.co.za or 011 907 3590.
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