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Scottish SPCA launches new dog fighting crackdown

A pit bull-type dog seized this morning during a series of co-ordinated raids in east Cleveland, to target a vicious dog fighting ring.
A pit bull-type dog seized this morning during a series of co-ordinated raids in east Cleveland, to target a vicious dog fighting ring.

The Scottish SPCA is appealing for the public’s help in breaking ”barbaric” animal cruelty rings throughout the country.

The charity has launched a nationwide appeal for information to hunt down those organising dog fighting and badger baiting rings the length and breadth of Scotland.

The charity has stressed information passed on from members of the public is vitally important in bringing those responsible to justice because of the secretive nature of the crimes it has described as ”barbaric and cruel beyond belief”.

Animal fighting is a criminal offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act of 2006. Maximum sentences for those found guilty include up to 12 months in prison, a £20,000 fine or both.

Chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: ”Many people will be shocked that these sickening activities are still going on in Scotland. But animals are still being forced to fight, often to the death, and the pain and suffering they endure is horrendous.”

The Scottish SPCA’s special investigations unit gathers intelligence on all forms of animal fighting. Over the last 18 months that painstaking work has yielded results as Mr Flynn revealed the unit’s investigations have led to criminal convictions and prison sentences.

He said: ”This sends a strong message that we’re determined to pursue those involved in these crimes, which are barbaric, cruel beyond belief and have no place in modern society.”

He added: ”Dog fighters and badger baiters are extremely secretive about their activities and don’t tend to take their dogs out in public as people would be alarmed by their injuries and scars.

”Rather than take their dogs to a vet, they will often be treated at home, which can prolong their agony and lead to infections which are sometimes fatal.”

He added that it was known these crimes were being committed throughout the country, the Scottish SPCA has received information that dog fighting rings are operating in Grampian, Glasgow and in and around the Edinburgh area.

Badger baiting is rife, he said, in the central belt and in the Lothians, Borders, Strathclyde, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

”What we need now if further information to help us identify the people involved and to save animals from horrific abuse.”

Anyone with information should call the charity’s helpline on 03000 999 999. All calls are in strict confidence and can be made anonymously.

leclark@thecourier.co.uk