Bear leaves a dog's life for new start in Britain

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One-year-old Bear was introduced to the Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green after escaping the Afghan dog-fighting trade.

The dog, whose ears and tail were removed as preparation for life in the fighting ring, will be kept at the rescue centre until a new owner can be found to give him a home.

Bear was rescued at the age of four months by the animal charity Nowzad Dogs, set up by former Royal Marine Paul "Penny" Farthing.

Mr Farthing, who was a sergeant with 42 Commando, was so moved when he first witnessed dog fighting while serving in Helmand that he set up the charity to help animals caught up in the sport.

The 39-year-old from Exmouth, Devon, said: "Thankfully we got to Bear before he'd had his first fight, but he's had his tail and his ears chopped off already.

"He's a great, lovely bear of a dog with a fantastic temperament so we're hoping he gets snapped up pretty soon and finds a new home."

Dog fighting is a popular sport in Afghanistan. The tail and ears are often removed to identify the dog as a fighter. Shorn of these appendages the opposing dogs have nothing to grip on to and the fight is prolonged.

Mr Farthing set up his charity in 2006. He rescued Nowzad, one of the dogs involved, and brought him home as a family pet.