Inside Birmingham cellar of horrors where dogs were made to fight in 'vile and warped' dog-fighting empire as two men jailed

Sohail Hussain, aged 46, of Brades Rise, Oldbury, and Asif Ali, age 33, of Ash Road, Alum Rock, Birmingham, were sentenced to 21 months and 17 months in jail respectively at Birmingham Crown Court.

Judge Paul Farrer KC condemned the “indescribable cruelty” of the racket which led to the death of at least one dog and severe injuries to others. 

The court was told how the defendants would “revel in the kudos” of forcing dogs to attack each other in fights lasting hours while spectators placed bets on the outcome.

At least one dog died and others suffered appalling injuries during the ordeal.

The offences were brought to light after the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) recovered canine fitness and muscle-building equipment including a treadmill, weighing scales, dog harness and conditioning supplements.

Although, the fights were staged in the cellar of a Birmingham house, dogs were imported from as far away as Romania and Turkey.

Investigators also discovered connections to Ireland, the Netherlands, Croatia, Bulgaria, Germany, Austria, Bosnia, Mexico, America, India and Pakistan. 

Both men admitted keeping an animal for an animal fight, causing an animal fight, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal — all in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Ali also pleaded guilty to possessing items designed or adapted for use in animal fighting.

Judge Farrer said all the dogs involved “suffered a very high level of pain and distress,” describing the enterprise as a “vile practice” that exploited the animals for money and status.

RSPCA officers rescued three adult bull breed dogs and two puppies when they executed warrants at Birmingham addresses linked to the men. The puppies have since been rehomed, and at least one of the adults is being prepared for adoption.

One dog had already “won” its first fight and was in training for another abroad, while another was being prepared for its first match.

Hussain’s defence said he was remorseful and had written a letter expressing regret. His wife described him as “honest, respectful and kind-hearted”. But Judge Farrer said Hussain’s actions “stood at odds” with those claims and that he saw “no real remorse” from Ali. 

Following the hearing, RSPCA SOU Chief Inspector Will Mitchell said: “Dog fighting is a draconian and barbaric blood-sport which many people believe society has left behind in history.

“Sadly though, the reality is that we continue to investigate cases today, involving sophisticated networks of people whose passion is breeding, training, arranging and fighting dogs.

“It’s shocking and there is absolutely no place for it in society today. As we all work together to try to create a kinder world for animals, it’s time this sort of sickening level of deliberate and gratuitous animal cruelty was stamped out for good - but we need your help to do that.

“Dog fighting is a dark, secretive sport but it could be happening near you; in a garage or warehouse in the heart of a city, or on a rural farm in a quiet village.

“We’d urge the public to contact the police or RSPCA if they have any concerns about dog fighting near them.

“Signs can vary but dogs used in fighting will usually have scars on their face, front legs and hind legs, and they can also have damaged ears and puncture wounds.

“Other suspicious activity includes hiding dogs away in outbuildings or kennels and not exercised in public, as well as groups of people meeting with their dogs.”