Four jailed as RSPCA brings one of the UK's biggest dog fighting gangs to justice

Monday, 28 September 2009 12:00 AM

Three men and a woman have been jailed after a major RSPCA investigation helped tackle one of the UK's biggest dog fighting rings.

Gary Adamson was sentenced to 23 weeks in prison after he admitted fighting his dog Pablo in a garage at the home of Claire Parker in May 2007 (23 weeks for each offence except 12 weeks for possession of a pit bull type dog. All to run concurrently). He was also banned from keeping animals for life and ordered to pay £1,500 costs.

Parker was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison after she was convicted of being present at the fight, jointly keeping a premises for use as an animal fight venue and the joint possession of three pit bull terrier dogs (23 weeks for each offence except 12 weeks for possession of a pit bull type dog. All to run concurrently). She was also banned from keeping all animals for ten years and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

Her husband John Parker was to face charges relating to dog fighting, but he died in prison before the case reached court.

Owen Batey, who travelled to the fight from his home in Middlesborough, was jailed for 23 weeks after he admitted three charges, including causing an animal fight to take place (23 weeks for each offence except 12 weeks for possession of a pit bull type dog. All to run concurrently). He was also ordered to pay £1,500 costs and was banned from keeping animals for life.

Mohammed Nasir Farooq, from Birmingham, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison after he was convicted of attending the fight, which attracted people from across the UK to Parker's home in Kexby, Lincolnshire (26 weeks for each offence except 12 weeks for possession of a pit bull type dog. All to run concurrently). He was also banned from keeping animals for life and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.

Those sentenced today (FRIDAY) were caught as part of two investigations into organised dog fighting by the RSPCA's special operations unit, named Operations Cannon and Castle. Footage taken by an undercover reporter working on an investigation into dog fighting for BBC's Panorama also provided the RSPCA with vital evidence to bring these individuals to justice.

The footage obtained by the BBC showed Adamson reveal details of the fight that took place at Parker's Kexby home, as well as the names of some of those who attended, to the undercover reporter. Work by the RSPCA's special operations unit led them to others connected to the fight.

Searches were then carried out at premises across eight different counties by RSPCA inspectors who discovered dog fighting equipment including several treadmills, training aids, veterinary kits and breaking sticks - used to prise apart the jaws of dogs during a fight. Many of those prosecuted also had elaborate kennels at their homes where they trained their dogs for fighting.

The investigation led to the discovery of 35 fighting dogs, of which more than half had sustained fighting injuries and showed scars from previous bouts.

One of the biggest discoveries was of the blood stained fighting pit, constructed in Parker's garage, where Adamson and King fought their dogs. The inspectors also found three pit bull type dogs and treadmills, used to build up dogs' stamina and fitness, at Parker's home.

Chief inspector Mike Butcher, of the RSPCA's special operations unit, said: "A search warrant was executed in eight counties across the UK and involved joint RSPCA and police teams. The operation unearthed 35 fighting dogs of which over half had sustained fighting injuries. Dog fighting paraphernalia was also found, including treadmills and breaking sticks.

"As a result 10 people have now been convicted. The RSPCA feels much of the credit for this success is due to the determination and bravery of the late Stephen Ibinson, the reporter who carried out the BBC investigation.

"Dog fighting is a barbaric and cruel so-called 'sport' which belongs in the dark ages and horrific suffering is caused to the dogs involved. Those that continue to pursue this activity should understand that the RSPCA and the police will continue to bring those responsible before the courts.

"Anyone with information about dog fighting should contact the RSPCA in confidence on 0300 1234 999."

The investigation also led the RSPCA to Christopher Burgess, from Mansfield, who admitted one charge of joint possession of a pit bull type dog. He was sentenced to 160 hours unpaid work and £250 costs

A youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was given a six-month referral order and a five year ban on keeping animals after he was convicted of five charges related to the keeping of fighting dogs. The youth had also admitted possession of three pit bull terrier type dogs.

District Judge Richard Blake said today: "Understandably there is widespread public objection at these events. This was the sadistic abuse of animals for entertainment. These offences involve many years of breeding and training of the animals. This is the abuse of innocent animals."

Kenneth King has not yet been sentenced as he was attacked before today's court hearing began and is recovering in hospital.

He is now due to be sentenced on Wednesday 30 September.

Claire Parker, Mohammed Nasir Farooq and the youth have indicated that they intend to appeal against their sentences.

-ends-

Full charge details:

Gary Adamson (26/01/1971), of Davenport Road, Yarm, Cleveland, admitted six charges: causing an animal fight to take place, taking part in an animal fight, possession of items used in connection with an animal fight, keeping a pit bull terrier type dog called Pablo for use in connection with an animal fight, jointly causing unnecessary suffering to a pit bull terrier type dog called Pablo by failing to provide veterinary attention in respect of injuries caused by fighting and possession of a pit bull terrier type dog known as Pablo.

Owen Anthony Batey (26/11/1968), of Cannock Road, Middlesborough, admitted three charges: causing an animal fight to take place, being present at an animal fight and possession of a pit bull terrier type dog known as Banjo.

Christopher John Burgess (24/11/1966), of Longstone Way, Ladybrook, Mansfield, admitted one charge: joint possession of a pit bull terrier type bitch.

Kenneth Harold King (14/12/73), of Main Street, Ragnall, Newark, Nottinghamshire, admitted eight charges: causing an animal fight to take place, taking part in an animal fight, causing unnecessary suffering to a pit bull terrier type dog known as Chief by causing the animal to fight with another, causing unnecessary suffering to a pit bull terrier type dog known as Chief by failing to obtain veterinary attention in respect of injuries sustained in a fight with another dog, possession of items used in connection with an animal fight, keeping a pit bull terrier type dog known as Chief for use in an animal fight, possession of two pit bull terrier type dogs, and joint possession of a pit bull terrier type bitch.

Claire Amanda Parker (15/12/64), of Kexby Lane, Kexby, Lincolnshire, was convicted of three charges: being present at an animal fight, jointly keeping a premises for use for an animal fight and joint possession of three pit bull terrier type dogs.

Mohammed Nasir Farooq (16/9/75), of Daniels Road, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, admitted one charge: joint possession of three pit bull terrier type dogs.

He was convicted of a further six charges: taking part in an animal fight, being present at an animal fight, jointly causing unnecessary suffering to a pit bull terrier type dog by causing it to fight with another dog, jointly causing unnecessary suffering to a pit bull terrier type dog by failing to obtain veterinary attention in respect of injuries sustained in a fight with another dog, joint possession of items used in connection with an animal fight and jointly keeping a pit bull terrier type dog for use in an animal fight.

A youth aged under 18 admitted one charge: jointly had possession of three pit bull terrier type dogs.

The youth was convicted of a further four charges: jointly causing unnecessary suffering to a pit bull terrier type dog by causing it to fight with another dog, jointly causing unnecessary suffering to a pit bull terrier type dog by failing to obtain veterinary attention in respect of injuries sustained in a fight with another dog, jointly having possession of items used in connection with an animal fight and jointly keeping a pit bull terrier type dog for use in an animal fight.

Notes to editors:

A series of still images from the case are available from the RSPCA press office by calling 0300 123 0244 or emailing press@rspca.org.uk

RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk

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