United Kingdom Restructures The United Kingdom is undergoing a restructuring, altering its structure in some way. - Dog fighting ring members receive jail time.
Four individuals involved in a vicious dog fighting ring have been handed down lengthy prison sentences in the UK. Authorities allege that the group host brutal dog fights across England, Ireland, and France, as reported by British news agency PA from a courtroom in Chelmsford, Essex County.
The dogs were reportedly subjected to horrid living conditions and endured gruesome training methods in preparation for the sometimes lethal battles. Despite sustaining injuries like shattered limbs after the bouts, their wounds were inadequately attended to.
Much of the incriminating evidence came from the cell phone of the ring's leader, a 67-year-old man affectionately referred to as "Dr. Death." He was convicted of ten Animal Welfare Act infractions and given a five-year sentence. His cell phone held photos, videos of dogs, and details of the fights.
A 57-year-old male, who purportedly provided the dogs with unauthorized medications and helped groom the animals, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison. A 38-year-old guy, accused of running a dog pit on his property, received a four-year sentence. His wife, 39, must serve 200 hours of community service. All four defendants are barred from dog ownership for a decade.
"Dog fighting is a barbaric and horrifying blood sport that has been outlawed in Britain for nearly 190 years. However, there remains a hidden world where this barbaric practice continues to happen," commented Ian Briggs of animal charity RSPCA following the verdict.
