Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley has held talks with the Taoiseach and the Northern Secretary about the illegal trade in fighting dogs between North and South.
The discussions follow the BBC's uncovering of the extent of dog fighting in Northern Ireland and the alleged involvement of Tyrone footballer Gerard Cavlan. Dr Paisley has also held talks with Stephen Phillpot of the Ulster Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Following the broadcast, which had provoked widespread outrage, the PSNI issued a statement saying it would examine the programme's findings closely. "Any evidence of illegal activity will be investigated thoroughly," police said.
Mr Cavlan issued a statement claiming it "was a matter of regret" that the BBC had given such prominence to him in their report on dog fighting. "It is particularly disappointing that the makers of the programme found it acceptable to resort to deception in approaching me about the return of the dog, merely for the purpose of attempting to obtain unguarded admissions," he said.
"I am also concerned at the lengths which the makers of Spotlight went to highlight my connection with the GAA. My only connection with the GAA is as a club and county player," he added. "I do not represent the views or standards of the GAA nor is the GAA in any way responsible for what I do as a private individual and amateur player." He concluded: "I do, of course, regret any disappointment that I have caused and particularly any damage I may have caused to the good name of the GAA."
The GAA said in a statement yesterday that it did not condone illegal dog fighting and said of Mr Cavlan's alleged involvement that he was acting in a personal capacity and in his own time.
Dr Paisley referred to the BBC programme saying: "It is beyond comprehension how human beings can be involved in such activity." He outlined why he had discussed the issue with the Taoiseach.
"[ We] discussed the situation and how this illegal trade can be brought to an end. It is clear that the Irish Republic's law on the licensing of dogs is being exploited to forward this outrageous activity. A review and amendment of legislation in the Republic would go a long way in helping the authorities on both sides of the Border to ensure this animal abuse is stopped." He said it was critical that those involved in the dangerous dog trade are caught by the authorities and brought to justice.
"I will be working with our own UK authorities and the Irish Government to ensure an end to this depraved activity." The SDLP and Sinn Féin both denounced dog fighting as shocking and indefensible.
The BBC has reported that the family of a man allegedly at the centre of a dog fighting ring in Co Armagh have disowned him.
Stephen Barriskill was alleged by the BBC to be a co-founder of the Tandragee-based Farmers Boys, a group involved in local and international dog fighting matches.
The family said they "thoroughly and unequivocally" wished to "distance" themselves from him.
Following the programme a statement on behalf of the Barriskill family was issued by Jason Barriskill, a relative of Stephen Barriskill. He said: "We are shocked and disgusted that he has sought to blacken such a respectable family's name in this manner, as well as at the untold damage that he has thus chosen to inflict upon others."