A Walsall man has admitted four charges under a new dog fighting law in the UK.

Clayton Beard, from Walsall, admitted the charges including a new charge of having items for use in training animals to fight.

The prosecution comes after Beard was found to have three wounded dogs, a treadmill and veterinary items at his home in the West Midlands.

He admitted possessing and causing unnecessary harm to the dogs including one dog, found in a cage suffering from more than 70 wounds.

The RSPCA have stated they believe dogfighting to be on the increase in the West Midlands over recent years with dogs smuggled from the continent and Ireland.

RSPCA inspector Ian Briggs stated “The Animal Welfare Act came into force at the start of April last year and that brings in a new offence of possessing for use an item adapted for the training of an animal to fight,”

“So the treadmill and all that fall squarely under that legislation so we are extremely pleased we have got this first prosecution.”

Update 4/15/08:  A self-confessed dogfighter was jailed for 18 weeks after pleading guilty to four charges relating to dogfighting. It was the first dogfighting-related prosecution brought by the RSPCA under the new Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Clayton Beard, from Cannon Street, Walsall, previously admitted to possessing three pitbull terriers and to causing unnecessary suffering to one dog by failing to provide proper veterinary attention. In addition the 24-year-old also pleaded guilty to possessing equipment adapted for training animals to fight and keeping animals for use in connection with fighting.

In addition to the custodial sentence, Walsall magistrates banned Beard from keeping or being responsible for any animals for life.

The court had earlier heard how one of the dogs, found in a cage in the dining room of his property had more than 70 wounds to his face and body.

When RSPCA inspectors visited Beard in April 2007, they found wounded dogs and a makeshift veterinary kit containing glue to stick the wounds together. A treadmill, used to improve dogs fitness and stamina was also discovered at the property. In addition a training schedule (called a ‘keep’) used for the dogs was also found.

Chief inspector Ian Briggs, from the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, said: “This case shows that this abhorrent sport will not be tolerated in the 21st century. We are extremely pleased with the result.  “There are a hardened group of individuals in this country who continue to take delight in pitting dog against dog in a bloodthirsty battle whilst they stand by and encourage their animals to fight. Many experience terrible injuries some can be fatal.”

Anyone with information about dog fighting is urged to contact the RSPCA cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999 and ask to leave a message with CI Ian Briggs or CI Mike Butcher. Calls are treated in confidence.

Reference:

Dog Magazine