Counties in the west of England have been revealed as hotspots for dog fighting, with 12 cases reported in Dorset since 2019.

Animal welfare charity the RSPCA has released new figures detailing the extent of illegal dog fighting across England.

Dog fighting has been illegal in the UK since 1835.

RSPCA dog fighting expert and Special Operations Unit (SOU) chief inspector Ian Muttitt said: “Our figures show that in the past four years, the RSPCA has uncovered and dealt with 77 incidents of dog fighting just in the west of England, let alone in the rest of England and Wales.

“It’s staggering that something which has been illegal for almost 200 years, which most people would consider consigned to history, is still so rife.”

The RSPCA's Cancel Out Cruelty campaign aims to raise funds to help its frontline rescue teams continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse and to raise awareness about how to stop cruelty to animals for good.

“Each year, these reports of cruelty reach its terrible annual peak in the summer months.” Ian continued.

“Around this time of year nationally we receive a report of an animal being beaten on average every hour of every day.

“We don’t know why reports of animal cruelty peak in the summer months although things like animal abuse being more visible as people are outdoors more and the cost of living crisis could be major factors.

“Signs of dog fighting can vary but if you notice a dog with lots of scars on its face, front legs, hind legs and thighs, or with puncture wounds and mangled ears - this could be a sign of dog fighting and should be reported to the RSPCA or the police.

"Other suspicious activity includes dogs being hidden away in outbuildings or kennels of sight and not exercised in public."

The RSPCA is urging the public to report anything suspicious to them.

Anyone who is concerned about the welfare of an animal or suspects dog fighting may be taking place should call the RSPCA animal cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.