TONY BARBARA'S DOG FIGHTING RAMPAGE IN NEWMILNS AND ESSEX REVEALED

Tony Barbara, born on September 23, 1964, and residing at 31 High Street, Newmilns, East Ayrshire KA16 9EB, has a notorious history linked to illegal dog fighting activities. His criminal record dates back to 2016, but his involvement in cruelty and illegal fighting persisted over several years, highlighting a disturbing pattern of animal abuse.

In February 2013, Barbara was convicted of training pit bull terriers for the purpose of illegal fights. During this conviction, it was revealed that he had trained two pit bulls named Elaine and Susie, along with a bull terrier called Gerald, all of whom were used in fighting operations. The cruelty extended beyond mere training; Barbara subjected these animals to significant suffering, including injuries that he attempted to treat himself in an effort to conceal his activities from authorities. Evidence showed that Elaine, one of his pit bulls, had untreated injuries to her eye and teat, underscoring the neglect and brutality involved.

Barbara’s criminal activities were not confined to England. He was previously associated with the Essex underworld, a connection that likely facilitated his move to Scotland after receiving a suspended jail sentence and a ten-year ban on keeping dogs. Despite the ban, Barbara resumed his illegal activities within a few months, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law and animal welfare.

His reoffending came to light in November 2014 when the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Scottish SPCA) raided his residence in Newmilns. During the raid, authorities discovered two injured pit bulls and various equipment linked directly to dog fighting. The evidence collected led to Barbara being charged with six counts, including breaching the Dangerous Dogs Act by keeping two female pit bulls for fighting purposes, possessing syringes and medications used for treating injuries, and having 'breaking sticks'—tools used to force dogs into fighting. He was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the animals by neglecting their care and medical needs.

Barbara’s solicitor, James Arrol, described him as “a man who has a number of psychiatric and health difficulties,” noting his heavily-tattooed appearance. Meanwhile, Scottish SPCA inspector Hannah Medley provided insight into Barbara’s demeanor during questioning. She stated that he spoke “freely and openly,” using dog-fighting terminology and explaining the rules and etiquette associated with the brutal sport. Barbara claimed to have been involved in dog fighting for the past 20 to 30 years, recounting that he had only seen one dog die, and that even then, the dog was still wagging its tail as it succumbed.

Inspector Medley further explained that Barbara discussed the “etiquette of dog fighting,” mentioning terms such as scratch lines, pits, and coming up to scratch. He also expressed a fascination with bull breeds and claimed to know veterinarians who could teach him how to treat injuries and self-medicate the dogs. When questioned about the presence of veterinary medications and syringes containing milky liquids found at his home, Barbara refused to comment, offering no explanation for their presence. He also declined to confirm whether the dogs involved were American Pit Bull Terriers, a breed subject to strict regulation, instead attributing injuries and scars to “dives into bushes after rabbits.”

Authorities uncovered additional disturbing evidence at his previous residence in Dagenham, Essex, including a flesh stapler, a training flirt pole, and notebooks containing detailed accounts of fights, further illustrating the extent of his involvement in illegal dog fighting activities.

Barbara was ultimately sentenced to eight months in prison and received a lifetime ban from owning or keeping dogs. His actions and the evidence collected paint a grim picture of animal cruelty and illegal fighting operations that spanned multiple regions, from Newmilns to Essex, and involved a network of illicit activities that authorities continue to combat.