Dozens of fighting dogs seized in Armagh

The Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has seized dozens of pit bull-type dogs that it says were being specifically bred for fighting purposes.

The dogs were taken into the care of the charity during a major operation in Co Armagh.

The USPCA says they were being bred for aggression and fighting, possibly as part of a Europe-wide ring.

More than 200 fighting dogs been recovered by the charity this year, backing up its claim that illegal dog-fighting is on the increase.

It says the illegal "sport" is now at epidemic proportions, with massive fees being paid and thousands of pounds in bets being laid.