$500 pup pawn in dog fights

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A man who bet money on dog fights in the Wairarapa now fears his own pet has been stolen and will be used by fight organisers.

The man, who refused to be named to protect himself and his young family, said he had twice attended illegal dog-fighting events in Masterton, and was aware they were also held in Carterton and Porirua.

He attended his first fight three years ago. "There was at least 40 people there, the beer was free, and we had a ringside table.

"The male I was backing must have killed at least two dogs before they retired him for the night. He was stuffed. I won $900 in an hour off that dog."

He attended another fight in January this year but left halfway through. "I went for the money. But ... it was just too much." Non-fighting dogs, and even cats, had been used as bait.

Now, he fears his $500 purebred puppy, which disappeared three weeks ago, has been taken by fight organisers.