AN ADELAIDE man who had shock collars and drugs to train pit bull terriers for illegal dog fights has been jailed for seven months.

In the first prosecution of its kind in South Australia, Benn Hamilton pleaded guilty to 12 charges, including multiple counts of taking part in prohibited activities.

The court was told RSPCA inspectors found six American pit bull terriers chained up in the backyard of Hamilton’s home when they responded to a complaint in 2016.

Prosecutor Marie Shaw said the dogs were aggressive and had fractured teeth and other injuries to their faces, mouths, ears, necks and limbs, consistent with fighting.

Hamilton also admitted to possessing various equipment including the shock collars, steroids and other drugs along with books and DVDs about dog fighting. “This is abhorrent conduct,” Ms Shaw said.

She said dogs were often referred to as “man’s best friend”.

“They rely on humans to feed them, to house them, to treat them well, not to train them for entertainment and financial gain at the risk of injury and mortality,” she said.

“Animals, and dogs, in particular, can serve man in many ways so long as they are treated humanely and fairly.”

Defence counsel Peter Hill said Hamilton was remorseful and had reflected on his actions.

Magistrate Kym Millard said a behavioural report on the dogs found they were capable of doing severe damage when biting and were so aggressive the only choice was to euthanise them.

Hamilton was jailed for seven months, and a question of costs was adjourned to a hearing in June.

The RSPCA is seeking more than $35,000 to cover veterinary bills and other expenses.