CONVICTED (2015) | “key figure” in British dog-fighting John George Psaila, born 02/12/1965, of Alan Ball House, Bolton Road, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 7AT
RSPCA officers uncovered what was in effect a training school for pit bull terrier-type dogs at John Psaila’s previous home in Thornvale, Abram, Wigan.
Psaila admitted 14 allegations including training dogs for the purpose of fighting, possession of equipment designed or adapted for use in dog-fighting and possession of pit bull terrier-type dogs.
Officers even discovered one dog being trained on a treadmill when they arrived at Psaila’s address in summer 2014.
Inspectors from the RSPCA’s special operations unit – which investigates organised animal crime – joined officers from Greater Manchester Police on warrants at Psaila’s Abram address, as well as a house on Lowton Street in Radcliffe, Manchester, on June 9, 2014.
They were acting on information that he was involved in organised dog-fighting and an allegation he was preparing to take a dog to a fight.
At the Abram address they found what resembled a training school for fighting dogs, including treadmills, weighing scales, home veterinary kits with medication and muscle-gaining powder and breaking sticks, which are typically used to separate dogs during a fight.
The RSPCA found Psaila had two pit bull-type dogs – called Ziggy and Tip – in his care and he subsequently admitted training both of the dogs to fight.
Psaila also admitted to training a dog called Cruise to fight. Although the dog was not found at either address, texts from his phone revealed plans to arrange a fight between Cruise and another unknown dog.
Footage of the dogs being trained on treadmills was found on the defendant’s mobile phone, said the RSPCA.
Other paraphernalia such as dog-fighting yearbooks and magazines, as well as a bucket and a sponge covered in blood were also discovered at a property belonging to Psaila.
The father-of-two, who has a pit bull tattooed across his back, winked at his daughter when he was jailed after admitting a series of crimes under the Animal Welfare Act.
Magistrates also ordered the destruction of two pit bull-type animals as they were considered too dangerous to spare.
Sentence: jailed for 121 days. Banned from keeping animals for life.
Was Social Services Informed Of His Behaviour, As He Is a Father To 2 Young Children. Shame On Him, He Has Brought Shame To His Family. I Feel Sorry For His Children.