Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Reports of dog fighting in England rising
“We’d urge the public to contact the police or RSPCA if they have any concerns about dog fighting near them” – Will Mitchell.
London and Greater Manchester have seen the most incidents.

The RSPCA has reported a significant rise in the number of reports of organised dog fighting it has received.

In the last four years, the charity has seen a 35 per cent rise in England. The charity received a total of 1,743 reports between 2020-2023, with 537 reports in 2023 alone.

The largest number of reports came from London (186), followed by Greater Manchester (123) and the West Midlands (121). The same four-year period also saw the charity’s team in Wales receive 97 reports.

The charity has a Special Operations Unit (SOU) that investigates serious and organised animal crime such as dog fighting.

The unit recently helped prosecute a dog fighting gang following a two-and-a-half year investigation. Five people were sentenced, three of whom were jailed, for their part in organising and attending dog fights in England, Ireland, and France.

As part of the operation, 19 dogs were rescued from properties in Essex and Merseyside.

Will Mitchell, RSPCA SOU chief inspector, said: “Dog fighting is a dark, secretive sport but it could be happening near you; in a garage or warehouse in the heart of a city, or on a rural farm in a quiet village.

“We’d urge the public to contact the police or RSPCA if they have any concerns about dog fighting near them.

“Signs can vary but dogs used in fighting will usually have scars on their face, front legs and hind legs, and they can also have damaged ears and puncture wounds. Other suspicious activity includes hiding dogs away in outbuildings or kennels and not exercised in public, as well as groups of people meeting with their dogs.”

The RSPCA recently launched its Summer Cruelty Appeal to raise funds to support its rescue teams.

Image © RSPCA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.