Lincolnshire has been labelled as a dog fighting hotspot after the RSPCA received nearly 250 reports in just four years.
New national figures from the charity revealed that there were almost 8,000 reports across England and Wales from 2015 to 2018.
Dog fighting was outlawed in England almost 200 years ago in 1824, but it’s still described as rife today.
Mike Butcher, a dog fighting expert from the animal charity, said: “While it’s promising to see that these figures are dropping year on year, it’s still staggering that something which has been illegal for almost 200 years and a bloody pastime which most people would consider consigned to history is still so rife.”
Dog fighting reports across the country seem to be falling, but the RSPCA say the 2018 figures are likely to be higher after some counties moved over to a new logging system.
It comes after another member of a dog fighting ring was sentenced for her part in a big case for the RSPCA.
Kimberleigh Steele avoided going to jail. Photo: Connor Creaghan for Lincolnshire Reporter
Knibbs is wanted in connection with a number of animal cruelty offences.
Kimberleigh Steele, 30, previously of Polyanthus Drive in Sleaford, was part of the ring which was headed up by her 55-year-old partner John Knibbs.
While Adam Scott, from Anglesey in Wales was sentenced to pay £3,080 in fines and 100 hours of unpaid community.
A warrant is also out for the arrest of Stephen John Gardener of Willows End in Bloxholm, Lincolnshire who failed to attend court.
Steele travelled from Ireland for a trial at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Monday, April 8.
At the trial, she was sentenced for aiding and abetting Knibbs as well as possession of a banned Pit Bull terrier.
Steele was given a 16 week suspended sentence, ordered to pay £615 in fines and banned from keeping animals for five years.
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Leader of Lincolnshire County Council Martin Hill said his party retaining control of the authority was “a resounding success” for the Conservatives.
The Tory group passed the 36 seat mark, giving them overall control of the council following the local elections on May 6.
Councillor Hill said: “This means we have a manifesto which we will then deliver for the public of Lincolnshire and we have a stable situation of the county council and can continue the running of it as a Conservative council.
“Thank you for giving the Conservatives once again a resounding thumbs up, we will work hard for you and take the lessons learned so far.”
He promised to move forward on tackling potholes and fly-tipping as well as campaigning for more funding for the authority.
At the time of publication, Labour had two seats, Independents had five seats, Liberal Democrats had three seats and South Holland Independents have one seat.
A Year 9 student at Cleethorpes Academy has tested positive for coronavirus, resulting in 28 pupils now self-isolating as a precaution.
Principal Mrs Janice Hornby sent a letter to parents/carers on Thursday, May 6 and said the school is continuing to monitor the situation and is working closely with Public Health England.
The students who are self-isolating will continue remote learning at home for 10 days.
The school remains open to other students who should continue to attend if they remain well.
Janice Hornby, Cleethorpes Academy Principal, said: “We want to reassure parents that we have followed advice from Public Health England and the DfE in responding to this matter immediately.
“My senior and pastoral leaders work quickly to identify all close contacts and telephone every family to explain the requirement to self-isolate. Students are isolated in school until we contact the family.
“All students who are required to isolate will return to remote learning until we can welcome them back into school.
“We have continued to follow national public health guidance around preventing the spread of coronavirus in school. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing of face coverings and regular cleaning is being rigorously practised right across the Academy, and we have robust risk assessment processes in place.
“I urge all staff and students to remain vigilant at all times and to continue to follow the guidelines to ensure that we can keep each other as safe as possible. We wish our student a very speedy recovery.”
Cleethorpes Academy is currently the only school within the Tollbar Multi Academy Trust with a case of coronavirus.
The Conservative group on Lincolnshire County Council have retained overall control after gaining 36 seats in total already.
At the time of publication, Labour had two seats, Independents had five seats, Liberal Democrats had three seats and South Holland Independents have one seat.
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