Nine pit bull Terriers have been seized by the USPCA in Northern Irealand in a joint operation with police and Banbridge council.

The dogs, who were all facially scarred, were taken from a property in Katesbridge. Officers also found a combat ring, training equipment and a supply of steroids which, they said, were used to heighten aggression in fighting dogs. David Wilson of the USPCA said they were appalled at the way the dogs had been living.