Men held for indulging in illegal dogfighting in Bahrain

Manama : Several men who were involved in illegal dogfighting operation were arrested after a video went viral on social media, DT News has learnt.

The men appeared in the leaked video footage showed themselves indulging in dogfighting, an act that was condemned by many netizens in Bahrain.

Commenting on the matter, Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) Chairman Mahmood Faraj confirmed in a statement that the people in the dogfight video have been identified.

Faraj said, “The BSPCA will be following up with the relevant government bodies regarding this illegal dogfight. Such heinous acts are not acceptable and will not be tolerated as the Kingdom of Bahrain is always in the forefront of protecting animal and aviary welfare by signing various declarations according to the directions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.”

Faraj added that “the BSPCA will take the case to the Public Prosecution and demand the highest possible punishment” with the hope of “putting an end to dogfights”. 

He concluded by thanking all who came forward to identify the people in the video alongside the public security bodies for “assisting the society to keep Bahrain safer and free from such cruel acts”.

Sources confirmed that “the five Bahraini men involved were apprehended and that the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution”. No further details were available.