Threats after family refuse to sell pit bull pups

Published Jun 29, 2011

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Staff Writer

A MITCHELLS Plain family whose pit bulls recently gave birth to a litter of 10 pups say they have been threatened by members of the community because they don’t want to sell the dogs.

The family fears the animals will be used in dogfighting, which is prevalent in the area.

As a result, they say they and their dogs have been targeted by members of the community.

Mitchells Plain resident Richard Abrahams’s brother, Ricardo, alleged that two of their pit bulls died last year after being poisoned.

“We aren’t allowed to keep all the puppies when our dogs have a litter so we sell them to families we believe will give them a good home.

“During the last litter several locals asked if they could buy our puppies and we said no because we knew what they wanted from them. A couple of days later the puppies ran into the house with foam coming out of their mouths and blood from their anuses. We think their food was poisoned. It has happened to other dogs in the area before,” said Ricardo.

After viewing cellphone footage of a pit-bull fight on Monday, Richard stood with his hands over his mouth. “This is disgusting. I can’t believe people are so cruel. This isn’t what pit bulls are about. Those boys have turned those dogs into monsters,” he said, shaking his head.

“I know what goes on in this area. The problem is that it’s so secretive and dangerous.

“When I see them trying to put a fight together, I threaten them and tell them to go home. It’s become very popular with the youth. They see it as a game and disregard the pain the animal goes through,” said Richard.

Ricardo said the parent dogs, Lulu and Snuns – who were walking freely in the house during the interview – have never shown any sign of aggression towards humans or other dogs.

“A dog is a reflection of its owner, just like a child and a parent. We treat our pit bulls with true love.

“Most of these fighting dogs are not fed properly, only have training in fighting, and become heartless machines. They lose their minds and attack other dogs and children and then all pit bulls are stigmatised,” he said.

Yesterday the Cape Times visited “Saffie”, the owner of Faces, one of the dogs involved in the recent fight.

Saffie’s mother said: “I don’t like this fighting. It is animal cruelty. I have warned him many times not to fight and when he leaves with that dog I fear the worst,” she said.

As we entered the backyard Faces was cowering in a corner, his face badly swollen.

“Ag, he’ll be alright man,” said Saffie. “I gave him some antibiotics and rubbed his face. He’ll be ready for his next fight in a couple of weeks when the wounds have healed.”

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