Tyrone footballer denies involvement in dog-fighting

Tyrone footballer Ger Cavlan has denied any involvement in dog-fighting following the seizure of an illegal pit-bull terrier at his home in Dungannon earlier this week.

The USPCA seized the dog on Wednesday, saying it was involved in an international dog-fighting ring.

It also said it returned to Mr Cavlan's home yesterday to take away three more dogs and equipment used to train the animals for fighting. However, the dogs and equipment had already been removed.

Pit-bulls are illegal in the North and the one seized had arrived from Finland, via Germany and Dublin Airport.

Mr Cavlan's solicitor, however, says that, although his client does keep dogs, he did not own the pit-bull or the training gear and had not been charged with any offence.