A dog fighting ring in Scotland has authorities urging dog owners to use increased caution. These criminal gangs are using stolen or adopted animals as bait for dog fights in neighborhoods throughout Scotland.
The dog fighting rings are legally adopting or purchasing pets from unsuspecting breeders and kennels. While the breeder or kennel believes the dog will be going to a loving home, the gang is actually using the animal as bait to provoke a fight between to dogs trained to be aggressive.
When the gangs are unable to find enough pets for sale or adoption, they have resorted to stealing pets from homes and yards while the owners are away.
Authorities have found several homes used in dog fighting throughout Scotland since early March. Animal remains, blood, and cages are often left behind as the criminal elements move from location to location.
Gangs operating dog fighting rings often run a gambling racket. Money is made through the wagers placed on the dogs in the fight. The animals involved are often treated inhumanely. Bait animals are often killed by fighting dogs to whet the appetite for conflict.
The Scottish SPCA urges pet owners to have their animals microchipped. They also urge pet owners never to sell or give away an animal without visiting the home and performing a basic background check.
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