Eight men have appeared before magistrates in Bradford facing dozens of charges linked to alleged illegal animal fighting, with the case now being sent to the Crown Court.
Eight men have appeared in court in Bradford facing dozens of charges relating to alleged cockfighting and illegal animal fights.
The defendants appeared at Bradford Magistrates' Court on Friday, following an investigation which the court heard began after Northamptonshire Police encountered an animal fight in May 2024.
The prosecution is being brought by the RSPCA, with allegations including arranging or taking part in animal fights, keeping premises in Bradford for animal fighting and keeping or training animals for use in fights.
The eight defendants who appeared were:
Mukhtar Ahmed, 53, of Brantwood Road, Bradford, who faces three charges of being present at an animal fight in Walsall Wood.
Daniel Burns, 49, of Kingfisher Grove, Bradford, who faces five charges, including allegations of keeping premises for an animal fight and keeping animals for fighting.
Mohammed Hussain, 49, of Royal Gardens, Bradford, faces 17 charges, including allegations of keeping premises for animal fighting, causing an animal fight to take place and keeping or training animals for fighting.
Adnan Khan, 40, of Leylands Lane, Bradford, faces three charges, including attempting to cause an animal fight to take place.
Khalid Mahmood Khan, 47, of Park View Road, faces a charge of being present at an animal fight.
Kabir Zaman, 36, of Girlington Road, faces nine charges, including allegedly providing information about an animal fight with the intention of enabling or encouraging attendance.
Muhammed Ihtishaam, 22, of Leylands Lane, faces three charges, including taking part in and causing an animal fight.
Zafar Ali, 60, of Victoria Street, Burton upon Trent, faces four charges, including causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
No pleas were entered during the hearing.
Defence solicitors argued that the case was too serious to remain in the magistrates' court, telling the hearing that a trial could last as long as six weeks.
Magistrates agreed and sent the case to Bradford Crown Court, where the defendants are due to appear on 23 October.
A ninth defendant, Muhammad Ifraz Amin, 38, of Hood Lane North, Great Sankey, Warrington, failed to appear. A warrant was issued for his arrest. He faces 21 charges, including allegations of taking part in and causing animal fights.
The court was also told that Sadir Hussain, 45, of Empress Road, Accrington, was on a pre-booked holiday. His case is expected to be heard next month. He faces two charges, including possession of cockfighting spurs.
All charges remain allegations and the defendants have not been convicted of the offences.
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