The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in Queensland has rescued over 50 dogs from alleged dog fighting in four properties.

RSPCA inspectors with the help of the Queensland Police rescued dogs from two properties in Logan, one property in Redland, and one near Richmond. These dogs are said to have been involved in dog fighting.

There were also dog fighting items found on the properties such as treadmills and breaking sticks, which were also seized. The RSPCA calls it their “first major breakthrough” in ten years.

Earlier this month in South Australia, an organiser of dog fights in the region was sentenced to seven months in jail for animal cruelty. Six dogs were found chained in the property of Benn Christopher Hamilton in Hillcrest in August 2016.

The dogs had bite marks on various parts of their bodies and they also showed fractured teeth. The inspectors also found treadmills, chains with weights and electric shock collars in Mr Hamilton’s property whilst his home had dog fighting books, DVDs, and instructional videos.

Due to the nature these dogs were exposed to, they have become aggressive that led to euthanisation for the dog’s safety as well as the safety of others.

The dogs seized in Queensland are now under the care of the RSPCA.

The RSPCA said that their investigation has been going on for months and it was very difficult to bust them due to their very secretive operations. They were able to get information from internet chatter and getting leads from people.

However, the RSPCA said that despite their successful operation they are not done yet and urges local communities to report any information about dog fighting to them at 1300-264-625.