Illegal dog fights have soared by almost a half since Covid...fuelled by a sickening stream of online videos.
The RSPCA was called to 330 fights last year compared to 226 in 2019.
And this year numbers are on track to be even higher with 149 savage encounters recorded up to May.
The RSPCA runs stings to take down the violent and disturbing groups at the top level of this disgusting spectacle.
The fights – some reported to be worth up to £50,000 – pit dog against dog until one dies or can no longer fight.
They are said to attract heavy betting and guns and drugs are often found at the secret venues.
Ian Muttitt, a chief inspector with the RSPCA, said research shows a third of 18 to 24-year-olds have watched animal cruelty online. He added: “Investigators routinely pick up on people viewing and sharing fight material on platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat.
“The way individuals can communicate about this type of thing is much simpler than it used to be.”
The RSPCA believe backyard breeding and an explosion in de- mand for Bully-type dogs is feeding lower-level fighting, such as chain contests in parks. And they say this is directly linked to the growing number of aggressive “status” dogs on the streets. The Mirror’s Danger Dogs campaign wants to overhaul the law to end the soaring number of fatal attacks.
Mr Muttitt said youngsters often start with an interest in “status” dogs and progress to the top levels of fighting.
Coupled with the rising number of violent videos it was causing a “perfect storm”.
He was also concer- ned about algorithms fuelling interest in fight-ing after it had been viewed once online.
He added: “I know from work, we are researching this kind of thing and the next thing you know your feed is filled with dog fighting or badger baiting.” The charity shared footage with us from its dog fighting investigations in an effort to encourage people to help with its Cancel Out Cruelty Campaign.
Dog fighting was banned along with all other animal fighting in 1835.
Mr Muttitt said: “If you see a fight in a park or a public place contact the
police and the RSPCA but do not get directly involved.
“Other tell-tale signs would be a lot of dogs coming and going from a property.
“If people are keeping dogs locked up and away from public view, or if people hear reports of dog fighting going on in their area, they can report things anonymously to Crimestoppers or to the RSPCA.”
