Number of dog fighting cases across Suffolk revealed
The figures come as the RSPCA launches a new campaign to crackdown on the bloodsport
Cases of illegal dog fighting are still happening in Suffolk despite the practice being illegal for almost two centuries.
The RSPCA recorded 6 cases here last year and has investigated 3 so far in 2023.
Across the East of England (including Norfolk and Cambridgeshire, as well as Hertfordshire and Essex) there have been 98 cases recorded since 2019.
RSPCA dog fighting expert and Special Operations Unit (SOU) chief inspector Ian Muttitt said: “It’s staggering that something which has been illegal for almost 200 years, which most people would consider consigned to history, is still so rife.”
The RSPCA’s Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, aims to raise funds to help its frontline rescue teams continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse and to raise awareness about how to stop cruelty to animals for good.
“Around this time of year nationally we receive a report of an animal being beaten on average every hour of every day." Ian continued.
“We don’t know why reports of animal cruelty peak in the summer months although things like animal abuse being more visible as people are outdoors more and the cost of living crisis could be major factors."
Dog fighting was outlawed in England in 1835 but still goes on today. The RSPCA - founded almost 200 years ago - is the country’s leading organisation tackling dog fighting and, for the last four decades, the RSPCA’s SOU have been investigating reports, rescuing dogs and prosecuting perpetrators.
Sadly, many of the dogs used by dog fighters are never found and those who are rescued are often found to be banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act and cannot legally be rehomed.
Ian said: “Signs of dog fighting can vary but if you notice a dog with lots of scars on its face, front legs, hind legs and thighs, or with puncture wounds and mangled ears - this could be a sign of dog fighting and should be reported to the RSPCA or the police.
"Other suspicious activity includes dogs being hidden away in outbuildings or kennels of sight and not exercised in public.
“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.
The RSPCA are urging the public to be their eyes and ears and to report anything suspicious to them.
Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of an animal or suspects dog fighting may be taking place should call the RSPCA animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.