RSPCA investigates record number of dog fights

The south of England has been revealed as the second worst region in England and Wales for dog fighting, a practice which often leaves dogs dead and is linked to organised crime.

Dog fighting was banned almost 200 years ago, but the RSPCA investigates an increasing number of cases each year. 

The animal welfare charity’s special operations unit’s chief inspector Ian Muttitt said: “The dog fighting world is a dark and secretive place. It could be happening in an inner-city warehouse next door to your office or on a rural farm in your quiet village.

READ MORE: RSPCA warns of more animal suffering after cruelty cases rise

“Dogs who win fights are prized and are often treated like Kings. But those who refuse to fight or lose are often abandoned or barbarically killed.”

Dog fights in Buckinghamshire

Buckinghamshire ranked as the fifth worst places for dog fighting in the south.

The RSPCA has investigated 17 cases of dog fighting in the county to date since 2019.

Surrey saw 18 cases, Hampshire 30, Kent 32 and Greater London 91 cases since 2019.

The RSPCA’s special team has investigated 1,156 incidents across England and Wales since 2019 with the north of England being the worst region for dog fights, followed by the south of England with 224 investigations and the Midlands with 212 cases.

Greater London was the overall hotspot for fights between 2019 and 2023, followed by Greater Manchester with 82 cases.

Ian commented: “Overall dog fighting in England and Wales has increased since 2019, jumping from a total number of 232 incidents investigated by the RSPCA in 2019 to 355 in 2022.

"We have dealt with 155 incidents this year, but we are only six months into the year, so we are concerned we will see this number steadily rise.”

Signs of dog fighting include lots of scars on the canine’s face, front legs, hind legs and thighs or puncture wounds and mangled years.

Dogs being hidden away in outbuildings or kennels out of sight and not exercised in public could also be a sign of suspicious activity, Ian warned.

Dogs who refuse to fight or lose are often abandoned or killed, the RSPCA said (Image: RSPCA)

“Dog fighting is serious, organised animal cruelty and we would not want anyone to put themselves at risk with the sort of people who are involved in such a violent pastime,” Ian said.

“It is imperative to report suspicions to the RSPCA and to under no circumstances approach these people yourself.”

Sadly, many of the dogs used by dog fighters are never found and the rescued dogs are often found to be banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act, meaning the charity cannot legally rehome them and has no choice but the euthanise the banned dogs, including pit bull terriers.

The charity has said it strongly opposes this and it is campaigning for a change.

Dog fighting was outlawed in England in 1835 and the RSPCA was founded almost 200 years ago.

To tackle all animal cruelty, the charity has launched a new campaign Cancel Out Cruelty ahead of the summer when reports of animal abuse usually peak.