A dog fighter convicted of a series of animal cruelty offences - including possession of a flesh stapler to treat injured dogs - has lost his appeal against a ten-year ban on keeping dogs.

Tony Barbara, of Third Avenue, Dagenham, was given a 24-week suspended prison sentence when he was found guilty in February of training dogs to fight.

On Monday (1) he lost his appeal against the sentence at Snaresbrook Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard how unemployed Barbara trained two pit bull terrier type dogs called Susie and Elain, and a bull terrier called Gerald for fighting.

The 48-year-old was also in possession of a veterinary kit used to self-treat their injuries including a flesh stapler which forensic analysis showed it carried canine DNA.

The dogs and equipment were discovered by police and the RSPCA during a search of Barbara’s home in November 2012 as part of the animal charity’s ongoing investigation into dog fighting.

Mike Butcher, chief inspector of the RSPCA’s special operations unit, said: “Tony Barbara trained his dogs for the sole purpose of fighting – an activity which was a premeditated act intended ultimately to cause horrific levels of deliberate cruelty in the pit.

“Dog fighting is a depressing blot on our reputation as a nation of animal lovers. While people like Barbara continue to pursue their sickening obsession, we’ll continue to track them down and bring them before the courts.”