 The RSPCA found bloodstains on the arena's walls |
A Birmingham man who turned part of his home into a dog-fighting arena has been jailed for four months. Adio Clarke, of Holly Road, Handsworth, admitted keeping 11 pit bull terriers and causing unnecessary suffering to three of them.
The 28-year-old also admitted owning a dog-fighting venue.
One animal seized at his house had 157 separate wounds while another had an ear almost severed and a broken pelvis, Birmingham Magistrates' Court heard.
Dog-fighting video
An animal welfare expert said the injuries were consistent with having been caused by dog fighting.
Nick Sutton, prosecuting, said Clarke could not take the animals to a vet to receive proper treatment for their injuries, because they were an illegal breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
 |  The tragedy is that these animals have been bred by man for the sole purpose of fighting |
He said Clarke had treated the injuries himself, contributing to the dogs' suffering.
Mr Sutton said: "The tragedy is that these animals have been bred by man for the sole purpose of fighting.
"Through no fault of their own, they find themselves in this appalling situation."
When officers raided Clarke's home in April, they found six pit bulls chained up in the garden and more dogs inside the house.
The court was shown a homemade video found at Clarke's home, showing two dogs attacking each another while being urged on by onlookers.
In a separate video clip, a man showed injuries on his hand and foot to the camera, while a voice on the tape said: "Standard pit bull damage that. Eight-months-old, standard tooth holes."
Sentencing Clarke, District Judge Neil Davison said the case was aggravated by his previous record for assault, robbery and possession of firearms.
He said the offence was so serious only a prison sentence was appropriate.
The maximum sentence that Clarke faced was six months in prison.
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