RSPCA name West Midlands as a dog fighting hotspot

Dog fighting is still rife in the West Midlands, despite the cruel blood sport being outlawed almost 200 years ago. The region has been named as a hotspot for the illegal activity, which often sees animals that lose or refuse to fight barbarically killed.

In the last four years, the RSPCA has uncovered and dealt with 59 incidents of dog fighting, with reports typically peaking in the summer months. Sadly, many of the dogs used are never found and those rescued are often found to be banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act and cannot legally ^[1] be rehomed.

The charity said the dog fighting world was a "dark and secretive place" and revealed animals could be forced to go head-to-head anywhere from an inner-city warehouse to a rural farm. However it warned people against approaching those believed to be involved in the violent pastime, insisting suspicions should be reported via its cruelty hotline or to the police.

RSPCA ^[3] dog fighting expert and chief inspector of the charity's Special Operations Unit, Ian Muttitt, said: “Our figures show that in the past four years the RSPCA has uncovered and dealt with 59 incidents of dog fighting in the West Midlands alone. It’s staggering that something which has been illegal for almost 200 years, which most people would consider consigned to history, is still so rife.

“Signs of dog fighting can vary but if you notice a dog with lots of scars on its face, front legs, hind legs and thighs, or with puncture wounds and mangled ears - this could be a sign of dog fighting and should be reported to the RSPCA or the police. Other suspicious activity includes dogs being hidden away in outbuildings or kennels of sight and not exercised in public."

He added: “Dogs who win fights are prized and are often treated like kings. But those who refuse to fight or lose are often abandoned or barbarically killed."

So far this year, the RSPCA has dealt with 155 dog fighting incidents nationwide - and it is concerned that number will steadily rise. It is now using its Cancel Out Cruelty ^[4] campaign to raise awareness and to raise funds to keep its frontline rescue teams on the ground.

“Dog fighting is serious, organised animal cruelty and we would not want anyone to put themselves at risk with the sort of people who are involved in such a violent pastime," Ian added. “It is imperative to report suspicions to the RSPCA and to under no circumstances approach these people yourself.” Anyone concerned about the welfare of an animal or suspects dog fighting may be taking place should call the RSPCA animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.

References

^{^} cannot legally (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^{^} Meet the loneliest dog in the Midlands no one even visits (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^{^} RSPCA (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
^{^} Cancel Out Cruelty (rspca.org.uk)