Scores of illegal dog fights have been reported on Merseyside over the last four years years, according to the RSPCA.
The illegal fights, which can last for several hours, often results in dogs dying or suffering serious injuries.
The animals tear each other apart while a crowd roar on the dogs and place huge cash bets. Hundreds of thousands of pounds can change hands during a single dog fight.
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Dog fighting has been illegal in the UK since 1835. Despite that, the figures show it remains shockingly prevalent in Merseyside.
According to the latest figures from the RSPCA there were 37 cases reported to the RSPCA in 2015, 48 in 2016, 58 in 2017 and 37 in 2018.
According to The League Against Cruel Sports, fights only end when a dog either dies from its injuries or its owner intervenes. Injured dogs are often treated by their owners using basic implements such as staplers and superglue to close bite wounds.
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Dogs are measured by the number of winning fights with the most successful being bred to produce a ‘bloodline’ of fighters. Across England and Wales, more than four incidents of illegal dog fighting are reported every day.
The RSPCA was notified to a total of 1,583 cases in 2018 - though the number has dropped slightly in recent years. There were 2,128 cases in 2015, with the figure falling in each successive year.
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Dog fighting used to be a rural blood sport but is becoming increasingly popular in cities. Dog fighting is heavily associated with organised crime.
Organisers often have long criminal records, and police often discover dogs that have taken part in illegal fights during raids on the homes' of suspected criminals.
There are three grades or levels of illegal dog fights in the UK.
The lowest level is known as a 'roll' and normally takes place at short notice in a park or housing estate.
The second level is known as the 'hobbyist' when the fights are organised by a local fighting circuit.
The third level is the professional, and the fights take place in pits.
Contracts drawn up between dog owners stipulating date, location, dog weight, referee and betting stake. Huge sums of money can change hands during a single fight.
Mike Butcher, dog fighting expert and special operations unit chief inspector of the RSPCA, said to the ECHO: “While it’s promising to see that these figures are dropping year on year, it’s still staggering that something which has been illegal for almost 200 years and a bloody pastime which most people would consider consigned to history is still so rife.”
People found guilty of dog fighting can be slapped with a 12 month prison sentence, a fine of up to £20,000, or both. According to the League Against Cruel Sports, there have been 150 prosecutions for dog fighting since 2000.
