Dogs Seized Following RSPCA Investigation
Published on April 23, 2010 by Ryan O'Meara · 2 CommentsTwo men have been arrested and ten dogs seized following a series of early morning raids as part of the RSPCA’s ongoing investigation into alleged organised dog fighting.
Officers from the RSPCA’s special operation unit led the investigation in conjunction with officers from Dorset Police and Wiltshire Police who served three warrants at addresses in the Bournemouth and Swindon areas this morning.
Four bull terrier type dogs were seized at a property in the Kinson area of Bournemouth and one bull terrier type dog was seized from a farm located in the Throop area of the town. All the dogs were believed to have had scars consistent with injuries obtained through dog fighting.
Inspectors also seized paraphernalia including a vet kit, books, magazines and DVDs about dog fighting at the farm.
Three adult bull terrier type dogs and two puppies were seized from a property close to Swindon town centre, along with a treadmill, vet kit, dog fighting literature, mobile phones and laptops.
One man was arrested in Bournemouth and another in Swindon. Both are in police custody and will be questioned by RSPCA inspectors and police on suspicion of dog fighting offences.
Chief Inspector Mike Butcher, from the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said the raids were carried out on the back of intelligence gathered by the Society’s covert officers during a four-month investigation.
He said: “It is a sad fact that the RSPCA is still required to investigate organised dog fighting, more than 170 years since this barbaric ‘sport’ was outlawed.
“Most people would rightly find it unthinkable that somebody can take pleasure from seeing one dog attack another for the entertainment of others. However, while there are people out there who continue to train and fight their dogs for such a barbaric activity, we will continue to try and put a stop to this bloody ‘sport’.
“Dog fighting is one of the most extreme and deliberate acts of animal cruelty the RSPCA comes across. I would urge anyone who may have information about possible dog fighting to contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999.”
The co-ordinated raids were part of a joint operation with Dorset Police and Wiltshire Police that was code-named ‘Icarus’.
PC Matt Cooke from Dorset police said: “This is the first time that specially trained officers in Bournemouth have worked with the RSPCA and we’re really pleased with the results of the operation.
“It’s illegal to possess pitbull type breeds or to use them in dog fighting and my thanks goes to those people who give us information on this type of crime.”
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Isnt it about time that the laws was changed and these dogs made legal again. Clearly the law isnt working by the amount of dogs that keep getting taken !
If they was legal, decent law abiding folk could own them again. A rescue could be set up and a much more positive focus on the breed could be acheived.
They are just dogs ! Why all the hysteria ??
bull terriers are legal is pitbull ‘types’ that are illegal and yes it is time they where made legal again but there is a dog control bill that is on a second review and that will replace the dogs act 1871 the dangerous dogs act 1991 and the dangerous dogs act (amendment) 1997 and it will as far as i know legalize ALL breeds of dog and focus on the owner no the breed.