Animals seized in dog fighting crackdown

RAIDS: The police and Scottish SPCA are clamping down on barbaric practice

Dogs have been seized in Angus and Aberdeenshire as part of an investigation into an underground animal fighting ring.

Scottish SPCA specialist officers and police were involved in co-ordinated raids at locations in the two areas last week.

The SSPCA said “numerous dogs” were seized and are now being looked after at their facilities while the investigation continues.

The raid followed the discovery of intelligence suggesting animal fighting was taking place at the two locations.

Their exact location has not been disclosed but the operation is the latest step in efforts to combat a practice in which dogs are fighting other animals such as foxes and badgers.

“The society is taking the fight to anyone engaging in this barbaric practice and sending out a clear message that it is not acceptable,” said the SSPCA.

Numerous dogs have been seized in Angus and Aberdeenshire as part of an investigation into animal fighting.

Police Scotland and the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals officers led simultaneous raids on premises in the two areas last week on the back of intelligence gathered as part of the clampdown.

An undercover officer in the Scottish SPCA’S special investigations unit (SIU) said: “We uncovered intelligence to suggest illegal animal fighting was taking place at these locations.

“With serious concerns about the welfare of both the dogs and wild animals being subjected to this, we worked with the police and external partners to raid both addresses. We’ve seized several animals and will be checking on their condition.”

The exact location of raids and how many dogs were involved has not been revealed.

The officer added: “Offences such as this are incredibly difficult to investigate as they are very well-guarded by those involved.

“Our expertise, in conjunction with the police, has proven to be invaluable to tackling these underground crimes.

“This is the latest in a string of animal fighting cases the Scottish SPCA has taken on recently.

“The society is taking the fight to anyone engaging in this barbaric practice and sending out a clear message that it is not acceptable.

“As it is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to give any more specific information at this time.”

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Officers supported the Scottish SPCA in relation to search warrants at an address in Angus and an address in Aberdeenshire. Officers from Police Scotland will continue to work with the Scottish SPCA and partner agencies.”

So far this year, the Scottish SPCA has taken an average of a call on animal fighting every other day.

Last month a man was given a 20-year ban on owning animals after he was convicted of training his dogs to fight.

Videos of dogs fighting foxes and dragging badgers from their setts were found on 19-year-old Greenock man Patrick Carter’s mobile phone.

The incidents involving his Patterdale terrier and two lurchers were branded “gut-wrenching” by investigators.

Carter was ordered to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work and made subject to a six-month curfew after he admitted keeping or training dogs for the purpose of animal fighting.

Investigators found his dogs had suffered injuries consistent with the crime.