An animal welfare charity has launched a nationwide appeal for information to help break dog-fighting and badger-baiting rings in Scotland.

The Scottish SPCA wants the public to tell it anonymously about the sickening pursuits in which animals are force to fight, sometimes until they die, and endure horrendous injuries.

Inspectors believe many people with crucial information are reluctant to come forward with details of the "barbaric" crimes.

It has intelligence that dog-fighting rings are operating in the Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Grampian areas, while badger-baiting is rife across the central belt.

Chief Superintendent Mike Flynn said: "Many people will be shocked that these sickening activities are still going on in Scotland. But animals are still being forced to fight, often to the death, and the pain and suffering they endure is horrendous.

"Our special investigations unit gathers intelligence on all forms of animal fighting and over the past 18 months our inquiries have led to criminal convictions and prison sentences. This sends a strong message that we're determined to pursue those involved in these crimes, which are barbaric, cruel beyond belief and have no place in modern society."

In March, Andrew Mullen, 37, of Uddingston, near Glasgow, admitted keeping dogs for fighting and was banned from keeping animals for life. He was also given a six-month curfew and ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.

There were 340 photographs on Mullen's laptop computer showing dogs fighting with badgers, foxes and deer when police raided his property in 2010.

It was the first conviction in Scotland for keeping dogs for baiting wild animals since the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006 came into effect.

Last September, brothers David and Colin Reid were jailed for taking part in dog fighting, the first conviction under a separate section of the act. David Reid, 22, of Banff, was jailed for six months, while Colin Reid, 24, of Macduff, was jailed for four months. Both men were also banned from keeping dogs for five years.

Now members of the public with information are being urged to call the Scottish SPCA's helpline on 03000 999 999.

Mr Flynn said: "Dog fighters and badger baiters are secretive and don't tend to take their dogs out in public as people would be alarmed by their injuries and scars. Rather than take dogs to a vet, they will often be treated at home, which can prolong their agony and lead to infections which are sometimes fatal.

"While these crimes are taking place throughout the country, we have received intelligence that dog fighting rings are operating in Grampian, Glasgow and in and around the Edinburgh area and badger baiting is rife throughout the central belt, including the Lothians, Borders, Strathclyde, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway.

"We need further information to help us identify the people involved and to save animals from horrific abuse."