Dog Fighting: The Brutal Blood Sport from Antrim to Amsterdam

The USPCA has condemned the horrific realities exposed in the BBC Spotlight investigation into dog fighting. The programme shines a stark light on a savage, secretive network that stretches from the shores of Northern Ireland to the Netherlands where dogs are forced to kill or be killed.

“This is a powerful wake-up call,” said Heather Weir, CEO of the USPCA.

“Dog fighting is an illegal, barbaric blood sport driven by cruelty, greed and perverse pleasure. It must be disrupted, dismantled and destroyed.”

For 19 months, the USPCA’s Special Investigations Unit, working with the League Against Cruel Sports, uncovered evidence of an international dog-fighting ring operating from Northern Ireland across Europe. The investigation revealed 29 fight reports, with details of handlers, referees and dogs – and at least three animals killed.

The USPCA warns this cruel blood sport is happening “on our very doorstep” and said the solution is to acknowledge it is happening, prioritise the need to end it, and utilise the combined available resources to bring the culprits to justice and end this torture.”

“The vast majority of people here love animals,” added Weir. “But this minority is inflicting unthinkable suffering. We urge anyone with information to contact the USPCA, confidential helplines or enforcement agencies. Together, we can end this shameful abuse.”

Russ Middleton, the League’s Head of Intelligence who worked on this case alongside the USPCA, said:

“During our investigation with the USPCA we uncovered some of the cruellest treatment of animals we have ever seen. We would not have been able to unravel the threads that eventually led us to an international dog fighting ring linked to organised crime had it not been for an initial report made to our Animal Crimewatch Service by a member of the public, and to linking up with the USPCA which was also investigating the same ring. This case is a testament to what can be achieved when two organisations work together to expose the world of dog fighting, which we are absolutely committed to continuing.”

The USPCA thanks the BBC Spotlight team for exposing this cruel trade – and calls on every citizen to stand up against dog fighting.

Cruelty thrives in silence. Speak out. Protect animals. End dog fighting.

'Dog Fighting: Exposed'

FAQs

Help give them a voice

Every day, the USPCA Special Investigations Unit is on the frontline, exposing and dismantling organised animal cruelty in Northern Ireland. These crimes are deliberate, calculated, and devastating. Without intervention, countless animals would continue to suffer in silence.

This crucial work is central to our mission, but we can't do it alone. Your support is what makes these investigations possible.