UK-WIDE DOGFIGHTING RING BUSTED: KENNETH LANGAN, ANTHONY MULLEN, JEREMY BROWN AND RYAN NUTTALL SENT TO PRISON

A notorious dogfighting operation spanning across the United Kingdom has been dismantled, leading to the conviction of four men involved in the brutal and illegal practice. Kenneth Langan, Anthony Mullen, Jeremy Brown, and Ryan Nuttall were identified as key members of this UK-wide dogfighting ring, which operated covertly in various locations including Chesterfield, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Brighton.

Kenneth Charles Langan, born on December 3, 1968, residing at 277 Valley Road, Portslade, Brighton BN41 2TH, was among those implicated in the case. Jeremy Peter Brown, born on November 9, 1954, from 4 Tennyson Street, Chesterfield S42 5TY, also faced charges. John Anthony Mullen, born on September 7, 1957, of 8 Tarragon Gardens, Northfield, Birmingham B31 5HU, and Ryan Nuttall, born around 1971, of 129 Garden Terrace, Newstead Village, Nottingham NG15 0BX, completed the group.

The authorities uncovered the extent of their involvement after undercover journalists successfully infiltrated the ring. The journalists purchased a pit bull terrier and gained entry by feigning interest in animal fighting, which ultimately led to the exposure of the illegal operation. Ryan Nuttall pleaded guilty to 11 charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to animals, failing to provide veterinary care, and providing premises for dog-fighting. In contrast, Mullen, Langan, and Brown denied some of the lesser charges, such as being present at illegal dog fights.

Evidence collected from the defendants’ residences revealed a disturbing collection of dog-fighting literature, equipment, and cartoons depicting the brutal sport, indicating an unhealthy obsession with the practice. The dogfighting activities took place at two concealed pits located in Chesterfield and Newstead, within the Mansfield area of Nottinghamshire. The RSPCA’s special operations unit, which led the prosecution, described the case as a significant victory in their ongoing fight against animal cruelty.

During sentencing, District Judge Peter Nuttall expressed his strong disapproval of dogfighting, stating, “To any right-thinking member of the public, dog-fighting, and everything which goes with it, is offensive. These were dogs which were used to fighting and they were bred for that.” He further highlighted the disturbing evidence of animal cruelty, including the discovery of a large quantity of dog-fighting literature and equipment at the defendants’ addresses. The judge sentenced Kenneth Langan, Ryan Nuttall, and Jeremy Brown to four months in prison each, while Mullen received a three-month custodial sentence.

Prosecutor Paul King detailed the horrific injuries sustained by seven pit bull-type dogs seized by the RSPCA. The animals had suffered hundreds of cuts, puncture wounds, and other injuries, none of which had been treated by a veterinarian. The evidence confirmed that the dogs had been used in violent fights, with some displaying deep scars and wounds to their faces and chests.

The illegal dogfighting activities were conducted at two hidden pits, one in Chesterfield and another in Newstead, both in the Mansfield area of Nottinghamshire. The RSPCA praised the successful operation, describing it as a “fantastic result” in their ongoing efforts to combat animal cruelty. RSPCA Chief Inspector Mike Butcher emphasized the seriousness of the crime, stating, “I think this sends a clear message to the public and to other dog-fighters that if they are caught they will go to prison.” He added that the brutal nature of the sport, which involves breeding dogs for fighting and inflicting severe injuries, makes it particularly heinous.

Inspector Butcher also expressed concern about the broader scope of dog-fighting in the UK, which has been illegal since 1835 but remains difficult to eradicate. “I have been working to beat these kinds of people for more than 15 years and it is getting harder and harder to catch them,” he said. A spokesperson from the RSPCA echoed these concerns, noting that the clandestine nature of dogfighting makes it challenging to determine the full extent of the problem across the country.

All four men involved in the case were banned from keeping animals for life. However, history shows that such bans are sometimes ignored; notably, John Anthony Mullen, after his initial conviction, repeatedly violated his ban and was jailed again in 2008 for six months, illustrating the persistent challenge of eradicating this form of animal cruelty.