Dogfight organizers arrested in Azerbaijan

After the appearance of video of dog fights on social networks in Azerbaijan, the police detained four organizers thereof. The country's legislation has gaps regarding responsibility for cruelty to animals, lawyers and animal rights advocates have noted.

Farid Mansurov, a zoo defender, has posted videos of dog fights in his Facebook page.

"The creators of the 'Dead Game Pedigree' forum and fight organizers are injecting narcotic drugs into their pit bulls and send them to death fights. They also cut throats or cut pit bulls' heads off who have lost the fight and feed young dogs with them," Mr Mansurov has written.

He has noted that fight organizers have top-ranking patrons, who a year ago warned them about the planned special operation, after which the organizers cancelled the fights.

After the social network posts, an investigation began, the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Azerbaijan has reported.

Dog fights are no news for Azerbaijan, said Azer Garaev, the head of the Public Association for the Protection of Animals. According to his story, fights are arranged for profit, bets are made on them, and spectators are attracted.

Mr Garaev has noted that the legislation lacks responsibility for cruel treatment of animals, although Azerbaijan joined the Convention for the Protection of Animals back in 2007.