Dog fighting

I won't be watching any programme like this.

Must go really as daughter about to turn up but just a quick thought

Took our dog to hospital this morning and there was a dog there that had been savaged by a German Shepherd - not a pretty sight although he will survive poor thing.

Also some channel is showing something about whale hunters tonight I think so NOT going to watch that

If you haven’t had a chance to see the controversial Channel 4 ‘documentary’ Going to the dogs, there’s still time on 4OD here.

www.channel4.com/programmes/going-to-the-dogs/4od

The documentary attempts to delve into the underworld of dog fighting in Birmingham and depicts graphic scenes of cruelty to animals. The show attracted more than 4,000 complaints from viewers, and even today protesters are continuing to express their dissent on social media.

Although the programme makers have shed light on this increasing crime, the RSPCA is calling on C4 to hand over the identities of the dog fighters – who were given anonymity when on TV through balaclavas and a voice distorter.

Read more about the RSPCA's response here and also news in the press:

blogs.rspca.org.uk/insights/2014/06/13/channel-4s-going-to-the-dogs/#.U58DzfldWSo

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2657273/Dog-fighting-documentary-facing-probe-TV-watchdog-4-000-viewers-complain-graphic-scenes-violence.html

I’d love to know the thoughts of Gransnetters on this issue.

If you are concerned and want to know more about how to keep your dog safe, read our article from Essex police about dognapping by clicking here.

local.gransnet.com/forums/local_chelmsford_share_your_pics/1207133-Dognapping-learn-how-to-protect-mans-best-friend-from-this-under-reported-crime

The RSPCA has been working very hard to try and stop this- but it is a truly underground world, and very difficult to get access. All is organised by word of mouth within- Same for badger baiting with dogs, cock fighting, etc- all are closely related and involve the same people.

I used to work closely with our Police Wildlife Officers in Leics and Rutland- but the service has bee totally cut and does not exist anymore.

I do have mixed feelings about viewing the film- but although I am not sure I'll watch (as said, I've got plenty of knowledge on the subject already)-perhaps it is best people are made aware of what is going on on their doorstep- however disturbing it is. People who get this information risk their lives doing so- these people are very violent and lots of money and perhaps even more importantly 'kudos' are at stake. Surely it is best that we know- same about other kinds or cruelty.

Can the RSPCA not stop this kind of behaviour and the filming of such a disgusting programme.?

As a dog lover I cannot believe that anybody can get pleasure out of this vile business. It should be stamped out ruthlessly and not given the oxygen of publicity. I despair of the TV people sometimes.

The people who do this should be thrown into a cage full of hungry lions. If they survive, then flog them.

More info on this show

www.channel4.com/info/press/programme-information/going-to-the-dogs-cutting-edge