Silverdale: Illegal dog fighting rings under investigation in Western Sydey
There are concerns illegal dogfighting rings are operating out of western Sydney after a two-year-old kelpie cross was found bloodied and injured and with her muzzle taped shut. Now police are investigating.
Penrith
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Police are investigating the possibilty of illegal dogfighting rings operating in western Sydney after an injured dog was found with her muzzle taped shut before succumbing to her wounds.
A state MP believes the injured dog that was found in Silverdale late last month could be pointing towards a larger dogfighting ring operating in Sydney’s west.
Lauren and Mathew Davis found the two-year-old female Kelpie Cross near the corner of Silverdale and Eltons roads on June 27.
In a viral Facebook post, Ms Davis said the dog was “found alive, with her mouth taped shut and clearly visible bloodied fresh wounds from a dogfight or some similar disgusting act”.
“We were able to remove the tape and get her to the vet, but she had passed away by the time we arrived,” she said.
“We at least hope in her last moments she felt some comfort and warmth.”
Emma Hurst, a member of the Legislative Council for the Animal Justice Party, said her office had heard “rumours” that there may be several illegal dogfighting operations operating in the area.
She told the Press she’d been approached by concerned residents, and is now calling on members of the community to anonymously report any information they may have to Crime Stoppers.
“A female dog in Silverdale was found severely injured and dying on the side of the road,” she said. “She had no microchip or collar, making it very difficult for the police and RSPCA to identify her.
“There is a real chance she was the victim of a local underground dog fighting ring, and we have heard rumours there may be several in the area.”
Ms Hurst said she had been approached by both NSW Police and the Animal Welfare League who both reported hearing similar rumours.
A NSW Police spokeswoman confirmed they were investigating the injured dog in Silverdale.
“Police would like to speak to the driver of a late model Toyota Hylux seen in the area that they believe may be able to assist them with their inquiries,” she said.
Ms Hurst said dog fighting was an “extremely serious issue” and called for a thorough investigation on the possibility of a dog-fighting ring.
“Dogs are often starved, tortured, beaten and abused to make them highly aggressive,” she said.
“Violence is violence, and people who are involved in dog fighting and animal cruelty are not only a danger to animals but a danger to the community.
“People with information often don’t come forward from fear of retaliation. We encourage anyone with further information to call Crime Stoppers where complaints can be made confidentially.”
The Animal Welfare League has been contacted for comment.