Feb
RSPCA Dog Fighting Raids – Three Held
Three people have been arrested and three pit-bull type dogs have been seized during a series of co-ordinated dawn raids across Birmingham today.
Officers from the RSPCA’s special operations unit and RSPCA uniformed inspectors were joined by more than twenty officers from West Midlands Police for the joint operation. Warrants were carried out simultaneously at addresses in the Small Heath and Lozells areas of Birmingham at 6.30am.
Two pit-bull terrier type dogs and one Staffordshire bull terrier were seized from an address on St Benedict’s Road in Small Heath. All had sparring injuries consistent with fighting. Dog fighting paraphernalia including a treadmill and veterinary kits for treating injured dogs were also discovered at the address along with several cockerels.
One pit-bull terrier type dog and six quails were also seized from a property on Anglesey Street in Lozells during a search of premises.
Those arrested are currently in custody awaiting interview. The seized dogs are in RSPCA care and have been taken to undisclosed locations where they will be checked by a vet.
The raids were part of a joint operation between the RSPCA and West Midlands Police code-named ‘Snape’.
Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, of the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said the co-ordinated raids followed information obtained by both organisations.
He said: Most people think that dog fighting went out with the dark ages but that simply isn’t true. There are still people out there who delight in training dogs only to watch them rip each other to pieces for their own vile entertainment. While these people continue to pursue their sick hobby, the RSPCA will continue to pursue them.
“Today’s raids proved hugely successful thanks to the cooperation between the RSPCA and West Midlands Police. Our thanks also go the public as the information from them means we were able to target the addresses as part of Operation Snape. It proves how vital the public is in the battle against dog fighting.”
Anyone with further information is asked to contact the RSPCA’s 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999. All calls are treated in confidence.
Our laws and punishments in this country make no sence to me. Dog fighting is sick and discusting, must cost the police, RSPCA and courts thousands of pounds to bring these sickos to justice and then the judge gives them a £1500 fine, bans them from keeping animals and says don’t do it again. These people don’t care about the law so will just get more dogs (which are hidden away anyway), they win hundreds of thousands betting on their dogs so must laugh when fined £1500. The real losers are the dogs/breeds that are abused my these monsters. The ones that are rescued from this torture are treated by vets then when the court case is over are put to sleep. When the media write about the dog fighting raid they report that these breeds are viscious killers so the public think this is true and start treating all Bull Breed owners with discust. There’s a huge differnce between a responsible dog owner who owns a Pit Bull, Stafford etc and a criminal who gets off abusing dogs in the pit. Nothing will ever have an effect on dog fighting until the punishment fits the crime, huge fine, all posessions confiscated and imprisonment. The breeds that are being abused need our love and effection, they are the true victims in all this after all.
HATE THESE PEOPLE I HOPE THEY HAVE A PAINFUL DEATH LIKE THE DOGS THEY ABUSE