Kirkwood family members admit animal fighting charges
14 January 2014 Last updated at 18:34 GMT
Three members of an east Belfast family have admitted animal cruelty offences described by the police and USPCA as among the most serious they have seen.
Jeremiah Kirkwood, 43, and his sons Chris, 23, and Wayne, 20, of Island Street, admitted keeping animals for fighting.
They also pleaded guilty to having equipment in connection with animal fights and causing unnecessary suffering to four puppies.
Gordon Adair reports.