A man has been jailed for keeping pit bull terriers for dog fighting despite being banned from having the animals.

Tony Barbara, 50, who is originally from Essex, was sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty earlier this year of keeping two female pit bull terrier type dogs at his home in East Ayrshire.

Barbara had breached a disqualification order imposed on him in a London court in 2013 banning him from keeping dogs for ten years. He has now been banned for life.

He was convicted at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court in July of keeping dogs for fighting, having syringes and medications and possessing breaking sticks to stop fights.

Barbara was also found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs by failing to provide adequate care and treatment for their injuries.

The court heard that the Scottish SPCA received a call saying that Barbara had two fighting dogs at his home in Newmilns. The caller stated the dogs were covered in marks and scars and that there was dog fighting equipment.

Inspectors from the Scottish SPCA raided his home with police in November 2014 and found two pit bull dogs held in crates. One was within the kitchen and the other in the main bedroom.

The dogs had and catalogue of injuries including puncture wounds and visible scars.

Inspectors also found equipment linked to illegal dog fighting, including a breaking stick, which is used to separate to dogs during a fight, and veterinary medication and syringes.

DNA evidence from two break sticks was examined by forensic scientists at who determined that at least two different dogs contributed to the mixed DNA profiles recovered.

The two dogs were removed from the property and taken to a secure Scottish SPCA kennel.

Gary Aitken, procurator fiscal for wildlife and environment, said: "Dog fighting is a cruel and wholly illegal act and I welcome today's sentence and the granting of the order preventing Tony Barbara from keeping dogs for life.

"These dogs were caused terrible and unnecessary suffering with numerous wounds and scar over their bodies.

"COPFS will continue to work to ensure those who participate in this barbaric practice are brought to justice and would encourage anyone who may have information on dog fighting to contact the police or Scottish SPCA."

A Scottish SPCA undercover inspector involved in the case said: "We welcome this result as investigations of this nature are extremely difficult to detect.

"It is our view that Barbara was heavily involved in organised dog fighting. Both dogs had multiple puncture wounds and scarring over their bodies.

"Barbara caused his dogs to suffer greatly by involving them in fighting and not taking them to a vet in order to avoid detection. Instead, he resorted to self-medicating them.

"With assistance from Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, DNA forensic testing was carried out on dog fighting paraphernalia and veterinary medications and we wish to thank Dr. Lucy Webster for her expertise and assistance.

"We hope this result will send out a message that the barbaric and criminal activity of dog fighting is a priority of the Scottish SPCA and will not be tolerated.

"We would welcome any information to help us to identify individuals who are involved in the world of dog fighting.

"Information is received in the strictest confidence and can be given anonymously."

Anyone with information should contact the Scottish SPCA helpline on 03000 999 999.