ANTHONY AND PATRICK MULLEN AND SUSAN HANCOCK BUSTED IN BIRMINGHAM DOG-FIGHTING RING

In a significant crackdown on illegal dog fighting activities, authorities uncovered a disturbing operation run by Anthony Mullen, Susan Hancock, and their son Patrick Mullen at their residence in Birmingham. The family, residing at 8 Tarragon Gardens, Northfield, Birmingham B31 5HU, has a long history of involvement with banned fighting dogs, despite previous legal restrictions.

All three individuals were convicted of keeping two pit bull-type dogs, which have been prohibited since 1991 due to their use in organized dog fighting. The discovery was made during a joint raid conducted in April 2007 by RSPCA officers and police, revealing a total of eight terrier-type dogs at the family’s home. The raid uncovered not only the dogs but also a range of suspicious items linked to dog fighting activities.

District Judge Jobi Bopa Rai, presiding over the case, delivered a stern verdict, stating, “I would go as far as to say that all three are involved with either breeding or keeping dogs that were intended for dog fighting, although I appreciate they were not charged with these offences.” The judge’s comments underscored the strong suspicion of ongoing illegal activity within the household.

Anthony Mullen and Susan Hancock faced additional charges for breaching previous bans on keeping animals. In 2005, they were found guilty of keeping three pit bull terrier-type dogs in violation of a court order. Anthony Mullen, who had been under a lifetime ban since 2001 for his involvement in a UK-wide dog-fighting ring, was sentenced to three months in jail for these breaches. Despite their claims that the dogs found in 2007 belonged to their son Patrick and that they had no responsibility for their care, the court was not convinced.

Patrick Mullen was also found guilty of aiding and abetting his parents in keeping the dogs, with the judge convicting him on two additional charges. During the raid, authorities discovered animal medications, including steroids and wound treatment powders, along with superglue, which experts testified could be used to “sew together” wounds sustained during fights. Judge Bopa Rai remarked, “I don’t think the items in the house had an innocent explanation, not when they were together as a kit.”

Ian Briggs, chief inspector of the RSPCA’s Special Operations Unit, expressed his concern, noting, “This is the third time that we’ve seen Anthony Mullen in court.” He highlighted the ongoing issue of dog fighting, stating, “This case, as well as the recent raids we carried out, provides a clear indication of the increased activity nationally of individuals involved in the dog-fighting scene.”

Evidence of the family’s involvement in illegal activities extended beyond the raid. Patrick Mullen posted a photo on his Facebook profile in May 2018 that clearly showed signs of dog-fighting activity, further implicating the family in these unlawful practices.

Regarding sentencing, Anthony Mullen received a six-month jail term. Susan Hancock was sentenced to four months, suspended, while Patrick Mullen received a three-month suspended sentence. The case underscores the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illegal dog fighting and the illegal breeding of dangerous dogs in Birmingham and across the country.