RSPCA dog fighting raids - three held

Wednesday, 24 February 2010 12:00 AM

Three people have been arrested and three pit-bull type dogs have been seized during a series of co-ordinated dawn raids across Birmingham today.

Officers from the RSPCA's special operations unit and RSPCA uniformed inspectors were joined by more than twenty officers from West Midlands Police for the joint operation. Warrants were carried out simultaneously at addresses in the Small Heath and Lozells areas of Birmingham at 6.30am.

Two pit-bull terrier type dogs and one Staffordshire bull terrier were seized from an address on St Benedict's Road in Small Heath. All had sparring injuries consistent with fighting. Dog fighting paraphernalia including a treadmill and veterinary kits for treating injured dogs were also discovered at the address along with several cockerels.

One pit-bull terrier type dog and six quails were also seized from a property on Anglesey Street in Lozells during a search of premises.

Those arrested are currently in custody awaiting interview. The seized dogs are in RSPCA care and have been taken to undisclosed locations where they will be checked by a vet.

The raids were part of a joint operation between the RSPCA and West Midlands Police code-named 'Snape'.

Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, of the RSPCA's special operations unit, said the co-ordinated raids followed information obtained by both organisations.

He said: Most people think that dog fighting went out with the dark ages but that simply isn't true. There are still people out there who delight in training dogs only to watch them rip each other to pieces for their own vile entertainment. While these people continue to pursue their sick hobby, the RSPCA will continue to pursue them.

"Today's raids proved hugely successful thanks to the cooperation between the RSPCA and West Midlands Police. Our thanks also go the public as the information from them means we were able to target the addresses as part of Operation Snape. It proves how vital the public is in the battle against dog fighting."

Anyone with further information is asked to contact the RSPCA's 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999. All calls are treated in confidence.

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Notes to editors

Interviews with RSPCA inspectors and photographs from the raids are available. Please contact the national press office on 0300 123 0244 or email 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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