Scottish SPCA

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Dog fighting and badger baiting appeal

The Scottish SPCA has today launched a nationwide appeal for information to help break dog fighting and badger baiting rings in Scotland. WARNING you may find the images in this report distressing.

We need information from the public due to the secretive nature of the crimes we consider to be "barbaric and cruel beyond belief".

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 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."

Members of the public with information are being urged to call our animal helpline.

CS 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 on 03000 999 999. All calls are in strict confidence and can be made anonymously."

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.

Cases:

• In September 2011, Aberdeenshire brothers David and Colin Reid were jailed for dog fighting following a Scottish SPCA investigation. It was the first conviction for animal fighting under section 23 of the 2006 Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act and only the second ever in Scotland. David Reid, 22, of Boyndie Street West, Banff, was jailed for six months. Colin Reid, 24, of Moray Street, Macduff, was jailed for four months. Both men were also banned from keeping dogs for five years.
• In March 2012, Andrew Mullen, 37, then residing at Hickory Crescent, Uddingston, admitted keeping dogs for animal fighting and was banned from keeping animals for life. Mullen was also given a six month curfew and ordered to complete 200 hours 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.