Two individuals have been sentenced to prison for orchestrating cruel dog fights in an underground setting that went on for extended periods. Asif Ali, aged 33, and Sohail Hussain, aged 46, coordinated these lethal competitions involving bull breeds in Birmingham on a large scale. Ali was linked to the On Smoke Kennels operation, where dogs were trained in a basement on Ash Road in Alum Rock, which also served as the venue for the fights.
During one such event, a dog named Roxy owned by Ali was fatally injured. Hussain was associated with the UK Gladiators kennel, which sourced dogs from both domestic and international sources for fighting purposes. Dog fighting has been outlawed in the UK since 1835.
Both Ali and Hussain confessed to charges relating to training animals for fighting, causing animals to fight, and inflicting unnecessary suffering on animals. Additionally, Ali admitted to possessing equipment intended for animal fights. Ali received a 17-month sentence, while Hussain was sentenced to 21 months. Furthermore, they were both barred from keeping animals indefinitely. Items like scales, a treadmill, and harnesses were discovered in the basement on Ash Road, along with an area designed for hosting fights, some of which were recorded.
Ali promoted events under the OSK brand and maintained four fighting dogs between October 2022 and September 2023, three of which sustained injuries. Hussain operated a subscription website named ‘Team Gladiatorz,’ which featured fight reports and advertised dogs for battling.
Rescued dogs from Ash Road displayed multiple scars and puncture wounds on various body parts. Judge Paul Farrer KC, in his ruling, condemned the defendants for their involvement in organizing dog fights, describing the activity as extremely cruel. He highlighted the prolonged nature of the fights and the severe injuries sustained by the animals involved.
In mitigation, Ali’s caregiving responsibilities for his mother and Hussain’s physical disability resulting from a past shooting incident were considered by the court.
