The Spotlight team filmed dog fights using undercover cameras

His call followed an investigation into dog fighting and the illegal trade in the animals by the BBC's Spotlight.

The programme showed how the dogs were being smuggled into Northern Ireland through the Irish Republic.

"It is clear that the Irish Republic's law on the licensing of dogs is being exploited to forward this outrageous activity," he added.

"All who saw those pictures will have been horrified by the vicious and grotesque scenes."

Speaking after talking to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, Mr Paisley said a review of legislation in the Republic would "go a long way in helping the authorities on both sides of the border to ensure the animal abuse is stopped".

Meanwhile, a man uncovered by Spotlight's investigation as the head of a dog fighting gang in County Armagh has been disowned by his family.

Stephen Barriskill was revealed as a co-founder of the Tandragee-based Farmers' Boys, a group involved in local and international dog fighting matches.

His son Jason said his family "thoroughly and unequivocally" wished to distance themselves from him.

The police said they were reviewing the footage featured on the Thursday night programme.

Farmers' Boys

The Farmers' Boys was infiltrated by Spotlight during a 17-month investigation. In total, it uncovered 15 illegal dog fighting gangs in Northern Ireland.

Five of those are based in Belfast and some of these groups have links to international dog fighting organisations.

The Spotlight team also found that Tyrone GAA star Gerard Cavlan is a major figure in the world of dog fighting.

In a statement, he said: "I would like to again unreservedly apologise to my family, all of my friends, supporters and colleagues in the GAA for any disappointment or distress that they have felt arising our of events reported."