Charity uses shock pictures to launch dog-fighting clampdown

Thursday 18 October 2012

The Scottish SPCA today launches a a nationwide appeal for information to help break dog-fighting and badger-baiting rings in Scotland.

A picture from the Mullen case

Scotland's animal welfare charity says it needs information from the public because of the secretive nature 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 of the Scottish SPCA 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 last 18 months our investigations 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 this year, Andrew Mullen, 37, of Hickory Crescent, Uddingston, admitted keeping dogs for animal 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. This 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. During their investigation, Scottish SPCA inspectors discovered 340 photographs on a laptop showing dogs fighting with badgers, foxes and deer when they visited Mullen's property in 2010. Last September, brothers David and Colin Reid were jailed for taking part in dog fighting following a Scottish SPCA investigation, in what became the first conviction under a separate section of the act. David Reid, 22, of Boyndie Street West, Banff, was jailed for six months, while Colin Reid, 24, of Moray Street, 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 animal helpline: 03000 999 999. All calls are in strict confidence and can be made anonymously. Chief Superintendent Flynn said: "Dog fighters and badger baiters are extremely secretive about their activities and don't tend to take their dogs out in public as people would be alarmed by their injuries and scars. "Rather than take their 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. "What we need now if further information to help us identify the people involved and to save animals from horrific abuse. Anyone with information should call our animal helpline." Animal fighting is a criminal offence under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. Maximum sentences include up to 12 months in prison, a £20,000 fine, or both.

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Charity uses shock pictures to launch dog-fighting clampdown

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