A total of 47 dogs were seized by police and the RSPCA yesterday after raids on properties with alleged links to dog fighting, the organisation said today.
In Birmingham, 16 addresses were searched with dog fighting paraphernalia, three treadmills, veterinary kits and a video, seized.
Ten men were arrested and interviewed in connection with the possession of dangerous dogs and alleged dog-fighting offences.
"They are kept in kennels in yards. The dogs are very strong, very powerful," Chief Inspector John Wilkins, in charge of the RSPCA operation.
"They are bred for the purpose of fighting, that is their sole purpose. These aren't the kind of dogs that can be rehomed or taken out on a park to socialise with other dogs," he added.
Mr Wilkins said the raids, which were the result of around 12 months' work and involved 32 RSPCA staff, were "the largest single operation the RSPCA has undertaken".
Mr Wilkins said inspectors from across the Midlands, as well as London and Wales, were drafted in to help recover the animals, which were mainly American pit bull terrier-type dogs.
Dogs were suffering injuries including a dislocated hip, a tumour, and a swollen rib cage from being kicked.
Two of the animals were taken immediately for veterinary treatment, and another 10 followed later.
One of the dogs was so powerful it managed to bite a hole in a cage used to restrain it.
Legislation means if any of the dogs were found to be of a dangerous breed they would be put down.
The maximum penalty for someone found guilty of dog-fighting offences under the Protection of Animals Act is six months in prison or a £5,000 fine.
