Inspectors of the Animal Welfare Department this morning raided two rooms in Qormi following reports of dog fighting, but were unable to find evidence that the practice is taking place.

In the raid, off the Mriehel bypass, the inspectors found three pit bulls and three tal-fenek dogs.

A government vet found that one of the pit bulls had a liver problems and a tal-fenek dog had a skin condition, thought to have been caused by neglect.

The two dogs were removed for further examination, with the owner pleading with the inspectors to take care of them because they had cost him money and the dogs were his only hobby. Some of the other dogs had injuries, although it could not be established that they were caused by dog fighting.

A spokesman for the department said the dog owner is expected to face animal neglect charges.