Dog fighting remains one of the most barbaric and secretive bloodsports in the world. Hidden in plain sight, this underground cruelty thrives in communities across the UK and Europe — until a critical IT slip exposed one of the continent’s most dangerous syndicates.
A six-month BBC undercover investigation has revealed shocking evidence of organized dog fighting rings operating in the UK, Ireland, and mainland Europe. What began as a single online leak from a secret forum quickly escalated into the unmasking of dozens of fighters, kennels, and brutal match reports detailing horrific abuse.
A Digital Mistake That Lifted the Curtain
The investigation began when one member of a highly secretive online dog fighting forum accidentally exposed sensitive files. These included detailed fight reports, graphic videos, and intelligence that was quickly passed to animal welfare groups: the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS) and the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA).
Russ Middleton, Head of Intelligence at LACS and a former police officer, described the leak as a breakthrough:
“It gave us a real insight into the global perspective of dog fighting. There were kennels sharing training methods, fight results, and videos — it was golden evidence.”
Dog Fighting in the UK: Hidden in Plain Sight
Although dog fighting is banned in the UK — including owning, training, or filming fighting dogs — the BBC investigation found kennels operating in shocking locations: from family housing estates in County Armagh to the grounds of Shane’s Castle Estate, one of Northern Ireland’s most famous stately homes.
Pictures and training videos helped investigators trace Boneyard Kennels, a notorious operation linked to around 40 pit bulls. The man behind the kennel was identified as David Patterson, a mixed martial arts coach from County Antrim.
Despite denying involvement, evidence tied Patterson to an international dog fighting syndicate. His associate, Craig Kitson, was also linked under the alias “Spongebob”, reportedly acting as a referee and handler in brutal matches.
Veterinary expert David Martin told the BBC:
“Dog fighting is happening in every major town and city in the UK. It’s enormous cruelty at every stage — from breeding to training, to the fights themselves.”
Reports of dog fighting in the UK have risen by more than 50% in the past two years, with over 600 cases flagged since 2024. Experts warn that the true number is likely much higher.
Infiltrating Europe’s Wider Dog Fighting Network
The BBC team also infiltrated the European arm of the network, posing as dog fighters online. In Amsterdam, undercover journalists met Zoltan Borbe, also known as NFK Kennels, who boasted about his “grand champion” fighting dogs.
He even offered to sell a two-year-old black pit bull named Ruby, bragging about her fighting potential. Secret filming captured Borbe claiming Ruby was ready for her seventh match.
Borbe later denied involvement in dog fighting, insisting he exaggerated stories to sell dogs.
The Fate of the Dogs
The investigation highlights a hidden tragedy: many dogs bred for fighting are never rescued. In the UK, pit bulls are a banned breed, and even rescued animals often face euthanasia.
Ruby, however, was spared. She was placed in a rehabilitation centre in the Netherlands, where therapists are working to assess and retrain her.
“They always have a chance,” said Hella Van Den Beemt, the centre’s lead therapist. “But it requires patience, careful observation, and an open heart.”
A Call for Action
For campaigners like LACS, every uncovered fight is one too many.
“This network is one of the biggest in Europe,” Middleton said. “But dog fighting is far more common than the public realizes. It’s happening in our cities, towns, and even behind the walls of stately homes.”
The BBC investigation not only exposes a dark underworld of organized cruelty but also calls for stronger enforcement, tougher penalties, and greater awareness to finally break these international dog fighting syndicates.