A BBC investigation has uncovered an illegal trade in fighting dogs stretching from Eastern Europe to Wales, revealing a thriving underground scene where animals are bred, trained, and forced to fight for hours.
The League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) has received nearly 100 calls about dogfighting via a confidential hotline in the past year. Former police officers involved in the charity's Operation Bloodline identified key players in an international network, with around 70 British people linked to the practice.
Investigators found that 'dog men' use Facebook, closed forums, and messaging apps to discuss and promote fighting dogs, often using coded terminology. A dog described as a 'Grand Champion' or 'Champion' in this context indicates multiple wins in fights, not pedigree shows.
The Balkans have become a hub for Europe's dogfighting business. Bulgarian national Ivaylo Nikolov, known as Ivo, was identified as a key figure, travelling to around 29 countries with dogs. Evidence suggests he transported animals that had caused damage to their travel cages, and he occasionally used dogfighting slang.
Undercover investigators posed as potential buyers to gather evidence, exposing a brutal world where dogs are trained to fight for up to three hours, often resulting in severe injuries or death. The RSPCA and police continue to urge the public to report suspicions.
