West Midlands dog-fighting increase

Mar 19 2009 by Mike Bradley, Birmingham Mail

ILLEGAL dog-fighting has rocketed to a “phenomenal” level in the West Midlands, the RSPCA revealed today.

Disturbing statistics show that reported cases have risen by more than 1,000 per cent in three years.

In 2004 just two dozen cases were reported, but by 2007, that figure had increased to 358 – a 15-fold increase. Today, RSPCA investigator Ian Briggs said: “Figures have increased phenomenally.”

Gangs were using the internet to buy and sell dogs for sickening fights, effectively turning the animals – often pit bull terriers – into “weapons” to set on other dogs.

He was speaking after Smethwick brothers Mazar Hussain and Mango Khan were given community orders for dog-fighting offences.

Khan, 34, of Tiverton Road, pleaded guilty to possession of a dangerous dog and causing unnecessary suffering.