Facebook and YouTube forced to take down videos of illegal animal bloodsports after BBC probe
Countryfile, presented by Tom Heap, uncovered footage of illegal cock fighting and hare coursing
FACEBOOK and YouTube have been forced to take down videos of illegal animal bloodsports after a BBC probe.
Countryfile wildlife show found footage of illegal cock fighting and hare coursing.
The programme, presented by Tom Heap, also uncovered YouTube and Facebook accounts linked to bloodsports, including two groups that together had more than 31,000 members.
Clips showed hares being mauled by dogs and cockerels fighting to the death.
Facebook removed one user and said that content “must respect local laws”.
YouTube said it had removed all clips highlighted by the BBC that broke policy guidelines. However much of the material remains online.
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The RSPCA’s wildlife coordinator Geoff Edmond said: “We’d ask for responsibility.
“It should be taken down — it’s illegal.
“It’s down to these social media companies to take on that responsibility.”
