under new sentencing guidelines. Scotland and Northern Ireland have a system of dog control notices

in England and Wales from July, under new sentencing guidelines. Scotland and Northern Ireland have a system of dog control notices.

The Department of Food and Rural Affairs said: "Any dog can become dangerous if it is kept by irresponsible owners in the wrong environment which is why the [Dangerous Dogs] Act covers any type of dog that is dangerously out of control."

who rehabilitates abandoned dogs and is looking after Cupcake, said she was furious at those responsible.

The animal's teeth had been filed back to prevent it damaging its opponent. She also had scars around the neck, and an injured eye.

"Kay", who rehabilitates abandoned dogs and is looking after Cupcake, said she was furious at those responsible.

"To victimise and torture a vulnerable creature to try to create a status or an image they want to be proud of is pretty despicable," she said.

"Man up - if you have a lust for fighting go out and fight yourself."

"Kay" is using a pseudonym because she is concerned the dog's former owner will track it down.