Pets being stolen 'to train fighting dogs'

And owners of the animals suspect a group of men have been stealing their pets to use in a practice called 'baiting' - a technique often used in the training of fighting dogs.

'Bait' animals are tied up while the dog is restrained and after training with the live bait, the handler unchains the dog and allows it to kill it.

The most recent theft took place on Wednesday November 18, when two pet rabbits were taken from their hutches. On Saturday November 14 30 quails worth £200 were stolen, two chickens were taken on Wednesday November 11 and on Sunday November 8, the thieves stole two chickens and seven rabbits and battered a cockerel to death.

June Lyons, whose cockerel was killed by the thieves said: "Everyone's very worried about it. We just don't know what to do to stop it. The police won't help, they say there's no evidence.

"We think it's four boys who have been walking around the area claiming they have lost their dog. Unfortunately, we think they might be stealing them to train fighting dogs."

One mother, whose son's rabbits, Black and Nube, were stolen last week, agreed but did not want to be not want to be named due to fear of reprisals.

She said: "I was really, really shocked about it. This criminal act has left us all broken-hearted, especially me and my son."

A police spokesman said: "We are aware of the thefts and the concerns of the victims and residents around the location. We have increased the patrols in the area and are working with the community to solve the problem."