Numerous dogs have been seized by the Scottish SPCA following two raids at different addresses in Scotland.
Working in partnership with Police Scotland, the charity led raids at an address in Angus and an address in Aberdeenshire last week.
The organisation said it was acting on “intel gathered on animal fighting activities in both areas”.
An undercover officer in the Scottish SPCA’s special investigations unit (SIU) said: “We uncovered intelligence to suggest illegal animal fighting was taking place at these locations.
“With serious concerns about the welfare of both the dogs and wild animals being subjected to this, we worked with the police and external partners to raid both addresses. We’ve seized several animals and will be checking on their condition.
“As it is an ongoing investigation, we are unable to give any more specific information at this time.”
A police spokesman said: “Officers supported the Scottish SPCA in relation to search warrants at an address in Angus and an address in Aberdeenshire. Officers from Police Scotland will continue to work with the Scottish SPCA and partner agencies.”
So far this year, the Scottish SPCA has taken an average of a call on animal fighting every other day. Approximately 50% of the jobs the charity’s SIU take on relate to it.