Report from Chris Smith Another possibility which might explain the missing cats in the Galashiels area
Probe into cat thefts for fighting
By Stephanie Todd in the Edinburgh Evening News 21 st September 2002
ANIMAL welfare inspectors are investigating reports that cats are being stolen by badger-baiters to train their dogs how to fight.
The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals confirmed it was investigating a case in West Lothian and said there were anecdotal reports of other pets being taken by those involved in the illegal "sport".
Experts said today that fight organisers often set several dogs at a time on one cat to help them build up a "blood lust" for fighting a badger. This month, the Evening News revealed several badger setts in West Lothian woodlands had been raided - including one which had been dug up by a mechanical digger.
SSPCA chief inspector Jim Cormack said: "Illegal dog fights are on the rise. We know of pet cats having been taken to train up dogs before they are pitted against badgers.
"Unfortunately, unless we can catch those involved by knowing in advance when and where these fights will take place, it is very difficult to bring a case against them. However, investigations are continuing."
He said the SSPCA was investigating the theft of one cat from the Livingston area which is thought to have been taken by badger-baiters. And Mr Cormack added: "Rumours and reports are rife of other cat-thefts for this purpose in the past but what we are short of is hard evidence."
Doreen Graham, spokeswoman for the SSPCA, said cats used by the badger-baiters suffered unspeakable cruelty.
"Taking a much-loved family pet for this illegal and barbaric sport is horrendous. There is no chance for survival," she said.
"Sadly, wildlife crime is big business and the people behind it are vicious and ruthless.
"We would appeal to anyone who has come across such an incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible."
The owner of the cat in Livingston, who asked not to be named, said: "He was an older cat and quite big in size because he'd been on steroids to help with a kidney complaint.
"Most people round here know that the dog fights go on and that pet cats are used to train the dogs, or sometimes in the fights themselves.
"I've several pets and there's no doubt in my mind that my cat was taken by the people behind these fights because he was large in size. I've one cat left and I'm very wary about letting it outside. Most people round here are the same. They keep their pets indoors. It's the only way to be sure they'll be safe."
Inspectors from the SSPCA are now appealing for public help to catch those involved. Any information on the fights would be reported to the procurator fiscal.
The baiting of any animal was made illegal in 1835.
It is currently an offence under the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912. In 1992, the Protection of Badgers Act was passed to protect the animals and their setts. Anyone convicted can face a £5000 fine and up to three months in prison.
In the illegal fights, organisers usually remove a badger's canine teeth and claws to help secure a victory for the dogs. In some cases, the hamstrings on the backs of their legs are cut, or the tail nailed to the ground, so the animal cannot flee to safety.
Afterwards, the dead animals are often dumped on roadsides to disguise the fact that they were mauled by dogs.
Badger-baiting has existed since medieval times and during the 19th century the practice was considered a sporting activity suitable for gentlemen. Fights normally took place in the back yards of taverns with betting a usual sideline.
Anyone with information can call the SSPCA anonymously and confidentially on 0870 73 77722.
Edinburgh Evening News, 21 st September 2002
A brutal 'sport'
Editorial in the Edinburgh Evening News 21 st September 2002
EARLIER this month, this newspaper was appalled to report that several badger setts had been raided in West Lothian. One had been raided using a mechanical digger.
It is bad enough that there are people living in our society who are cruel enough to indulge in the so-called "sport" of badger-baiting.
But now animal inspectors have warned that pet cats are being stolen in West Lothian and Central Scotland to train up dogs before they are pitted against badgers in illegal fights.
There is no question that a domesticated family pet would stand absolutely no chance of defending itself against such a brutal attack.
Revulsion against such a sickening practice is not new - the baiting of any animal has been illegal in Scotland since 1835.
However the theft of these domestic pets represents a new twist of barbarism which cannot be tolerated. It must be urgently investigated and stamped out before more animals suffer such disgusting acts of cruelty.
Edinburgh Evening News, 21 st September 2002
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