Animal fighting is a major concern to the RSPCA. Dog fighting, badger baiting and cock fighting are all illegal, however, reports of incidents continue to reach the RSPCA.
Reports of cock fighting and badger digging/baiting have remained consistent and relatively low over the last five years although in 2009 there was a huge rise in reports of badger sett interference – 166 compared to 59 in 2005. In 2005, 36 reports of dog fighting were received. Calls peaked in 2007 with 358 reports and then dropped in the two subsequent years to 284 and 204.
Overall reports of dog fighting have fallen in 2009; however the incidence of young people fighting dogs has increased. In 2007 37 per cent of reports concerned dogs and street fighting.
The following year two-thirds of calls were related to this and 55 per cent of fight reports in 2009 were about dogs fighting in public places. With new types of dog fighting appearing, continued reporting of incidents, a consistent number of convictions and reports of badger sett interference nearly trebling in the last five years, it must be concluded that organised animal fighting is increasing.
Reports of dog fighting to the RSPCA
For more information, read the 'animal fighting' animal welfare indicator.
