Dog fighting is on the rise in Hampshire, with new data revealing a sharp increase in illegal cases. According to the RSPCA, dog fighting incidents in the county have surged from just two cases per year to 16 reported incidents. The south of England has been identified as the second worst region for this cruel practice. In 2022 alone, Hampshire has witnessed 16 cases of dog fighting, compared to just two the previous year and six in 2020. Shockingly, despite pandemic lockdowns, the RSPCA has dealt with 224 cases of dog fighting in the south since 2019.
Ian Muttitt, an RSPCA dog fighting expert and Chief Inspector of the Special Operations Unit (SOU), expressed his astonishment at the prevalence of this brutal activity: 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. He also noted that reports of cruelty related to dog fighting reach their peak during the summer months, with the RSPCA receiving an average of one report every hour of every day during this time.
Dog fighting is a blood sport where dogs are pitted against each other, often resulting in serious injuries or even death. Criminals participate in this barbaric activity by placing bets on which dog will emerge as the victor. Many of the dogs involved in these fights are never found, while those who are rescued often turn out to be banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act, making it illegal to rehome them.
Ian Muttitt emphasized the secretive nature of the dog fighting world, stating that it could take place anywhere, from inner-city warehouses near offices to rural farms in quiet villages. He urged people to be vigilant and report any suspicious signs of dog fighting, such as dogs with numerous scars on their face, legs, and thighs, as well as puncture wounds and mangled ears. Other red flags include dogs being hidden away and not exercised in public.
Winning dogs are highly prized and treated well, while those who refuse to fight or lose are often abandoned or subjected to brutal killings. The RSPCA is working tirelessly to combat this illegal and inhumane activity, but the increasing number of cases calls for more attention and action to protect these innocent animals.
The rise in dog fighting cases in Hampshire is a cause for concern and highlights the need for stricter enforcement and penalties for those involved in this cruel practice. It is essential for the community to stay vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and work together to put an end to this form of animal cruelty. By raising awareness and taking a stand against dog fighting, we can protect the welfare of dogs and ensure that they are treated with the compassion and respect they deserve.
