Live Bait

[Lukas]

I have searched every where and the only reference I could get was the Animal protection Act 1962. I am not talking about the organized side of fishing, this is what the goverment say.

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.wag.co.za/Canned%20lion/animals_protection_act.htm">http://www.wag.co.za/Canned%20lion/anim ... on_act.htm</a><!-- m -->

Here are some extracts. Some of the extracts are applicable where animals are trained to kill or fight and the bait(oponents) are tied or kept as bait to profoke a fight.

2. OFFENCES IN RESPECT OF ANIMALS - (1) Any person who:

(a )overloads, overdrives, overrides, ill-treats, neglects, infuriates,tortures or maims or cruelly beats, kicks, goads or terrifies any animal; or

(b) confines, chains, tethers or secures any animal unnecessarily or under such conditions or in such a manner or position as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering or in any place which affords inadequate space, ventilation, light protection or shelter from heat, cold or weather;

And under another heading of trained animals to fight.

b) baits or provokes or incites any animal to attack another animal or to proceed with the fighting of another animal;

So by hooking bait fish in South Africa it would be considered illegal due to the suffering and torture to the animal used as bait. But is it not a a treat to the other party who gets the bigger meal????????

I wonder why the sea bait fish are not protected under these laws?

Nowhere in the Enviromental and tourism arm of goverment in any internet publications could I find any mention to the legality of fresh water live bait. I think the main reason why most people classify it as illegal is because of the orginized and professional side of fishing rules and reglations of clubs. As for that I totally agree with the rules and regulations. Besides what would be easier to get a strike on...plastic or the real thing?

Enjoy.