Johannesburg - Eighteen men arrested in connection with a dog fighting syndicate appeared in the Tsakane Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, the NSPCA said.
The matter was moved to the Nigel Regional Court, where they would appear again on January 20, National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) deputy CEO Este Kotze said in a statement.
The NSPCA was pleased with the decision to transfer the case.
“This means that upon conviction, an individual may be sentenced to a fine not exceeding R300 000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 15 years.”
She said lawyers representing the accused had argued against the move.
Sapa