July 4, 2018 5.01 pm This story is over 68 months old

Suspected dog fighter on the run

Investigators have reason to believe he has fled to Southern Ireland

A suspected dog fighter from Lincolnshire who has failed to attend a number of court hearings is believed to have fled the country.

John Herbert Knibbs, 54, previously of Polyanthus Drive, Sleaford is one of five people due in court in connection with dog fighting offences.

He has been accused of six offences under the Animal Welfare Act and two offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

But Knibbs has failed to attend three hearings at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court and investigators have reason to believe that he has fled to Southern Ireland.

RSPCA Inspector Kirsty Withnall, who is leading the investigation, said: “Mr Knibbs hasn’t been seen since December and we’ve failed to reach him so we’re asking the public to help us track him down.

“If anyone knows where he is or can assist in our investigation, we would urge them to contact us or the police.”

Knibbs is one of five people due in court in connection with an RSPCA and police investigation into dog fighting.

The animal welfare charity joined North Wales Police and Lincolnshire Police as they executed warrants at three properties in September and December last year – in which, a number of dogs were removed.