2 dogs, mauled, found floating in dock - Birdenhead, EN

Tuesday, Jun 13, 2006

Two dead Staffordshire bull terriers were found dumped in a Birkenhead dock raising suspicions they had been used in dog fighting. Both animals - removed from Egerton Dock by British Waterways staff on June 13, 2006 - had suffered "appalling" injuries. Neither could be properly examined because of their "poor state", said animal hospital vet Anna Quintana. But British Waterways harbour master Bill Broadbent told the Globe: "They were both injured to such an extent that the only possible explanation we could come up with was that they had used in a dog fight."

The mauled animals were spotted by another man who was out walking his own dogs near to the docks. The walker, who has asked not to be named, said: "They were floating next to the wall near The Dock pub. They were both dead but one looked as if its face had been mauled.
"I've got four dogs and I hate any cruelty towards animals. I called my friend who has reported it to the RSPCA and she then organised for British Waterways to remove the dogs from the dock.
"I was absolutely appalled. How anyone could do this to a dog is beyond me."

The terriers were taken to Ms Quintana at the animal hospital Rutland House in St Helens. Mr Broadbent said: "The dogs could not be properly examined by the vet but because they were both injured to quite an extent we came to the conclusion they may have been used in dog fighting." Ms Quintana added: "They were both in a very poor state."

The gruesome "sport" of dog fighting, during which two dogs are encouraged by their owners to kill their match' in a pit, has been illegal for almost a century. Yet it's feared the cruel practice has continued underground, both for gambling and cruel entertainment. Seacombe councillor Adrian Jones said: "As a councillor, I have been approached by several people in the area of Wallasey Town Hall who have heard what sounded like dog fighting. "People are convinced illegal dog fighting is happening in the area but they are too scared to report it to the police.

"I have advised them to report it to Crimestoppers as they will not have to give their names as witnesses.

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References

• Wirral Globe - June 21, 2006

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