A PITBULL type dog was seized from an address near Buntingford during a raid by police and RSPCA officers investigating suspected dog fighting. Earlier today officers swooped on Castle Cottages, Anstey, as part of a series of co-ordinated raids across the

A PITBULL type dog was seized from an address near Buntingford during a raid by police and RSPCA officers investigating suspected dog fighting.

Earlier today officers swooped on Castle Cottages, Anstey, as part of a series of co-ordinated raids across the east of England.

The dog is said to be "scarred", while a treadmill, which is used to improve dogs' fitness ahead of fights, was also discovered at the property.

Chief Inspector Mike Butcher, of the RSPCA Special Operations Unit, said: "People may think that dog-fighting has gone away, but that's simply not true.

"There are still people who seem to gain pleasure from seeing two dogs ripping each other to pieces, so whilst those people continue to pursue their vile hobby, the RSPCA will continue to pursue them," he said.

The raids were part of an operation code-named "cannon", and took place at locations in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, as well as Buntingford. In total six people were arrested, while 14 pitbull-type dogs were seized, along with a variety of equipment used for dog-fighting.

Chf Insp Butcher added: "We would like to thank the police for their help and co-operation, and also members of the public for the information they have given us regarding dog-fighting.