21 April 2006

Pitbull terrier seized from GAA player's home

The USPCA has seized a pit bull terrier believed to be involved in an international dog-fighting ring, from the home of a well known GAA player.

The animal was taken from Tyrone GAA player, Ger Cavlan following a planned operation by the PSNI and the USPCA.

It is understood that the dog had been tracked on flights from Helsinki through Frankfurt and then to Dublin, before being taken to the GAA players home in Dungannon, County Tyrone.

The pet's passport confirmed that the animal's name was Cannonball and it's owner lived in Finland.

A number of other items were also seized during the operation including documents relating to dog fighting.

A statement issued by Ger Cavlan's solicitor said that his client did not own the dog or condone dog-fighting, but did confirm that the animal had been seized from his property.

It is understood that the USPCA had the dog examined by a vet who had confirmed that it's injuries were similar to wounds sustained in dog-fights.

Stephen Philpot from the animal charity said that they decided to remove the dog because of the facial injuries it suffered.

He said: "Our vets have confirmed for us that this is an animal which they would class as a fighting dog under the terms of the Dangerous Dog Act.

"They've also confirmed the animal has injuries to its face, throat and ears and teeth, which would suggest those injuries are consistent with a dog used in organised dog-fighting."

The charity has also expressed it's concerns about three other pit-bull terriers, which were at the house at the time of the search.

When the USPCA returned to collect the dogs, they had been removed.

Mr Cavlan's solicitor also stated that his client did not own any of the dogs, which were at his Dungannon home.

(EF/CD)