Animal used as bait to train fight dogs

Injured stray had bite marks and his teeth filed down to stop him fighting back

A dog found bloodied on the streets of Peterborough was used as bait to train other dogs for illegal fights, it is believed. The stray crossbreed was found in Fengate on Sunday with bite marks around his neck after collapsing through dehydration.

The sick animal had blood on his nose where a muzzle had been tightly strapped on, and he had even had his teeth filed down which would stop him from defending himself against other dogs as he was used as bait.

Peterborough dog warden BarnabyMurphysaidthiswas the first bait dog he had ever encountered with its teeth filed down. He added: “He’s a really sweet little dog.

“I picked him up on Tuesdaymorningandhewasclear- ly timid. He weed himself obviously through fear.

“Every time he was out his tail was between his legs and his head was down. He acted like he did not want to be seen.”

The dog, a crossbreed of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Chinese Shar-Pei, is no more than three years old.

He was found exhausted in the industrial area of Fengate and was looked after by a member of the public, before beingtakentothedogwarden.

He was taken to Ravenswood Pet Rescue in Wisbech and is now being looked after by foster carers while a new home is found.

Mr Murphy said: “Dog fighting is certainly known to go on in Peterborough. Everything about it is illegal but it still happens.

“If you’re giving dogs away, make sure you are clued up to who you are giving it to.”

Anyone with information is askedtocall the RSPCAcruelty line on 0300 123 4999.

The bait dog found in Fengate