Cross-border dog smugglers busted
2011-11-24 15:34
Johannesburg - Cross-border dog traders were busted at the Vioolsdrift border post in the Northern Cape, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) said on Thursday.
About 24 large breed puppies, including Rottweilers, Alsatians, pitbulls, were confiscated from Angolan nationals who were transporting them, spokesperson Wendy Wilson said.
It is suspected that the dogs would have been used for dog fighting in Angola. Some of them were being sold at R84 000 each.
The police and members of the SA Revenue Service took part in the bust.
Wilson said close monitoring at the OR Tambo International airport might have prompted smugglers of live animals to seek alternative routes.
The NSPCA had presented a workshop in Bloemfontein to raise awareness in relation to the animals' welfare and documentation issues at all ports of entry.
Northern Cape police confirmed that two Angolan nationals were arrested in connection with the bust.
Sergeant Andrea Cloete said they were expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate's Court soon to face charges of smuggling.
- SAPA
