A SENIOR crown prosecutor has slammed the farmer who filmed cockerel fights and goaded his dog into attacking and killing a fox.

Jack William Haskell, 23, of Newport Lane, Wareham, was ordered to pay a total of £1,338 after pleading guilty to two counts of attending an animal fight and one count of causing unnecessary harm to a protected animal.

Wareham farmer filmed cockerel fights and didn't protect dog

He was also banned from keepings cockerels and dogs for ten years, with the exception of sheep dogs.

Following his hearing at Poole Magistrates’ Court, Angharad Thomas, CPS Wessex senior crown prosecutor and wildlife lead, said: “Cock-fighting has been banned for almost two centuries and absolutely has no place in today’s society.

“The suffering and distress such activity causes animals is deeply disturbing and cruel. Jack Haskell filmed cockerels fighting each other even though he knew that they shouldn’t be placed together because of their aggressive nature when together.

“In addition, Haskell filmed a dog attacking a fox which was exceptionally cruel and undoubtedly distressing for both animals.

“The CPS is working closely with the police to build strong cases against those who seek to exploit and disregard the welfare of animals for their own so-called entertainment.”