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Nearly 400 dogs are seized from alleged dogfighters in Missouri. The fate
of the dogs remains uncertain.
Authorities in Missouri seized almost 400 Pit Bull-type dogs as part of a multi-state raid designed to break up dog fighting rings across the country. It was the single largest effort of its kind in the history of humane law enforcement. But while the dogs were “rescued,” they are not yet “saved.” At issue is whether the dogs will live or will be killed by the shelters if and when they ultimately are awarded custody of the dogs by the Courts.
Unfortunately, some statements that are coming out of the agencies involved in the decision-making process are ominous. According to Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, most of the dogs will likely be killed: “I think it’s pretty certain that a lot of those dogs will not pass a behavioral test.” Meanwhile, the Humane Society of Missouri, which is housing these dogs, isn’t talking except to say that in a recent case, they killed half of all Pit Bull-type dogs they seized. Is that a bellwether of things to come?
Some see a modicum of hope. Randall Lockwood, who was part of the ASPCA team that evaluated and passed the vast majority of the dog victims of Michael Vick, the 2007 case of the then-Atlanta Falcons Quarterback that took the issue of dogfighting to national prominence, is on the scene in St. Louis. Unfortunately, Lockwood himself made statements to the media about this case that the Vick outcome may not be “replicated.” He also made statements that we should not focus on our differing opinions about what to do with the dogs, but focus on blaming the dog fighters.
No one questions the need to rescue these dogs from the abuse they faced. And the articles appearing on blogs across the country such as one that was aptly titled “scumbags,” adequately convey what we think about the perpetrators. But Lockwood is wrong. The case is in the hands of the U.S. Attorney. So there is nothing more to do on that score. The only choice now is whether, when granted custody of the dogs, the Humane Society of Missouri will kill them or whether the Humane Society of Missouri will not kill them. In fact, that is all we should focus on.
If the Vick tragedy taught us anything, it is that our most basic assumptions about dogs, pit bull-type dogs, and dog aggression, were wrong. In short, it showed we can save virtually all the dogs, even when they were raised for dog fighting and horrifically abused.
After the arrest of former national football league quarterback Michael Vick and the seizure of almost 60 pit bull-type dogs raised for fighting, many animal protection organizations called for the dogs to be killed, arguing that these dogs were vicious and beyond our ability to help them. None made this argument after evaluating the dogs, but based on assumptions about pit bull-type dogs, dog aggression, and dog fighting. After deceptively fundraising off of the dogs, for example, the Humane Society of the United States lobbied to have them killed. Because they believe all Pit Bulls who enter shelters should be slaughtered, it was no surprise that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) also asked the court to put them to death.
In 2008, the court thankfully said “No.” Only one dog was actually killed for aggression after evaluation, and the remaining dogs were placed in either sanctuaries or in loving new homes. Two of the dogs are now even therapy animals, providing comfort to cancer patients. The results forced even dog lovers-but more importantly the humane movement-to question their most basic assumptions about dogs, pit bull-type dogs, and dog aggression. In short, it showed we can save virtually all dogs in shelters.
Secondly, it showed that there is a real, practical, and potentially widespread “third door” between adoption and killing-the network of foster homes, sanctuaries and long term care facilities to provide for animals who may not necessarily be immediate adoption candidates, but can enjoy a good quality of life which would make their killing neither merciful nor ethical.
As a result, we should no longer assume the dogs can’t be adopted or for the ones who are traumatized, rehabilitated first because the vast majority can. In addition, some of the dogs were “bait” dogs because they were not aggressive, or others were used as “breeder” dogs, so have no history of fighting. Moreover, those that were are often very friendly to people. Finally, we do have the ability and skill as a movement to rehabilitate those who are traumatized. As a result, we should assume the opposite: they are savable unless a rigorous, fair, and comprehensive evaluation proves otherwise, which it might—but only for a small number of the dogs. And we should no longer assume there isn’t a sanctuary or even homes for these dogs, since HSUS and the ASPCA have the public relations power, financial wherewithal and global reach which easily prove otherwise.
Given this, we must stop talking about how these are “often broken dogs” or how there might be difficulty finding “available homes.” We need to stop speaking the language of defeatism, the language which frames the debate in a negative light, that condemns some of the dogs without all the facts, that assumes killing may be inevitable, and thus may actually help pave the way for their eventual slaughter.
In other words, we need to put aside unfounded biases and consider the victims of these cruelty cases the way we talk about the animals in other cruelty situations—with regret and condemnation for what they have suffered and with the expectation that whatever agency now has power over them will give these dogs what they deserve. We must assume—as the facts in the Michael Vick case proved—that condemning them as vicious simply because a dog fighter possessed them is guilt by association and unfair. That they were abused doesn’t make the dogs abusive. That they were subjected to violence doesn’t make them violent. That they were unloved doesn’t make them unloving.
In short, we must not echo the unfounded biases which plague our movement and have harmed animals for far too long, with no evidence to support such claims. Instead, we must adopt a language that is optimistic about the dogs and uncompromising in defense of their lives. We must put the ASPCA and the Humane Society of Missouri on notice that we expect them to save these dogs. Because anything short of that clears a path for those who appear bent on destroying them.
Instead, we must start demanding outcomes—outcomes that include rescuing, rehabilitating, and ultimately saving these dogs. A fair, rigorous evaluation will lead to lifesaving for the vast majority of these dogs and given HSUS and ASPCA wealth, media power, membership in the tens of millions, America’s dog loving culture, and the vast number of available homes, these are not barriers. Even the slide show of photographs from the law enforcement raid shows the rescuers handling the dogs with little restraint, fear, or concern for their own safety. Because, at the end of the day, while rescuing the dogs was crucial and for which we are all grateful, we must also demand a commitment to saving them. After all they have been through, the dogs deserve nothing less.
To learn more:
Pit bulls seized rescued, but not yet saved
Slideshow of dog fighting raid
Comments
Dogs given good homes after living in bad conditions are very grateful and loving. They KNOW they have it good.
Very well put article, thank you for this perspective!
Great written article Nathan.
I am sick that so many of these dog fighting seizures ends in these animals deaths - so many organizations out there refuse to even consider placing or rehabilitating these poor dogs even when it was successfully done in the Michael Vicks case and even when so many people speak out about wanting to adopt these very same dogs.
These dogs need to be given the chance of a good life - they are the innocent parties in this seizure.
Thank you for continuing to raise public awareness about this.
Anytime the HSUS is involved it is guaranteed death for the animals. They dont want to pay for it, but they will take the donations and pocket them. TThis is very sad we have people like the HSUS claiming to support animals.
Back In february od this year an incident in N.C. should be a wake up call as to the intent of HSUS's prospects of saving these dogs. According to what I have read, at the insistence of HSUS, appox 147 dogs were killed from one farm in Wilkes county NC. My question is, with all it millions of donated $ why cant orgs like HSUS and PETA build shelters in all states to help save animals, instead we see extermination facilities would be more to their liking, what a shame. Only we as animal owners can make a difference, lets have our legislators question the ethics of these strong AR organizations .. M Jones
Oh yea, from what I have read, puppies as young as 2 weeks old were killed. Dose that make any sense, HSUS says most dogs seized are too aggressive to rehabilitate , a 2 week old puppy..?
Nathan good job, now all you have to do is convince Congress that the only thing HSUS & PETA want is our money to put in the pockets of the local, state and federal politicans. Its about time we ask congress to change the IRC 501 (3)(c) to exclude the HSUS and PETA, we need shelters that are "no kill" shelters and not the one like PETA has in Norfolk Va which only "kills". I ask you, why didn't we speak up for the dogs when PETA and the Vets' in NC were putting dead dogs in trash bens???? any answers??
W. Pacelle doesn't care one way or the other about animals as long as he gets our money.
"We must put the ASPCA and the Humane Society of Missouri on notice that we expect them to save these dogs." How do we do this?
The Humane Society of Missouri issued the following statement: "While they are being cared for, each dog will be evaluated by animal behavior experts from the Humane Society of Missouri and other organizations
to determine their suitability for possible placement with rescue groups or individual adopters. The Humane Society of Missouri will make recommendations about each animal to the U.S. District Court which will make the final decision for each animal... We are committed to giving dogs who have come from such horrible abuse the absolute best chance for a good life..."
Well I guess these Missouri dogs are not the "cash cows" that brought so much money to HSUS and Wayne figures, just kill them. Thing is that HSUS and ASPCA has more than enough in their coffers to support these dogs (and thousands of others) going to real rescues, not just "paper rescues" like HSUS. The folks who got the Vick dogs did it with their own money and the money HSUS got went on to support Wayne pontificating about things he knows nothing about. All they ever did for the Vick dogs was make the true rescues spend money on legal fees to get Wayne to take his money and go home and mind his own business, whatever that is. I'm afraid these poor dogs don't have much of a chance. They don't have the notoriety of the Vick dogs and they will die a solitary undeserving death because people like Wayne don't really care what happens to them.
Beautiful pet dogs are killed in shelters everyday and it is so very sad. People are so quick to give up their pets and of course the older ones or the problem ones do not often end up getting another home. Surely the owners of these bully dogs have funds and those funds should be earmaked as part of their punishment to allow these dogs to have a chance at a good life--it is their responsibility and it will a lesson learned. Our country kills millions of homeless dogs (and cats) every year and no matter what animals fall into that category, we have to start doing better. Millions of dollars changed hands to allow the Vick dogs to live and due to those special efforts and funds, it worked out very well.
The only thing the Humane Society of the United States is interested in is making money to pay for thier lavish lifestyles of the leaders..They raised millions on the lies of saving the Vick dogs and then when they filled thier bank accounts they told the governmen there was no hope and the dogs should be killed. Well someone saved them dogs and they now live good lives with loving families who dont think killing animals is the only way to go and not have to spend thier money!! Tell H$U$ to shove it and stay the heck outta animal lovers business.
I only hope that someday the American people will wake up and help put the H$U$ outta business and send them crooks to prison where they belong. The people need to check on thier legislators and see who is taking money from H$U$ to help them get phony legislation passed and then vote out their little cronies in power.Most farmers and sports foik know the Humane Society for the money grubbers they are its the folks in the cities who buy into their money making schemes under the disguise of trying to save animals!! No one loves killing animals more than Wayne Pacelle and his flunky JP Goodwin. Pacelles' own words tell that he doesnt have any bonding with pets and Goodwin wants to do away with all animal agriculture so they can turn American into a Vegan Nation..so they sucker folks into voting on the false legislation they bribe and/or threaten legislators to pass or put on a ballot for voters who dont have a clue of the agenda of these fanatics..
Someone`s citing dogsbite on here.
???
"When a quest for vengeance becomes dangerous"
//btoellner.typepad.com/kcdogblog/2008/09/dogsbiteorg----when-a-quest-for-vengeance-becomes-dangerous.html
Comment is by Canine Fatality Investigator Jim Crosby.Read the rest at link.
[quote]... The author is not remotely interested in accuracy-I have sent several comments correcting 'facts' from having been on scene-and they never appear....Dogbites is nothing more than a hate fueled site with a clear agenda to warp the truth and destroy a breed of dog based on the authors personal feelings. [/quote]
HSUS could easily take care of each and every one of these dogs if they wanted to.
I would suggest sending any donations directly to the Humane Society of Missouri with explicit directions that it`s to be used to help the fight bust dogs.
If you wanna see where the money goes that H$U$ takes up just go and ask your local animal shelter if they get any funds from the H$U$??!! They longer are an Animal Welfare Organization they are now and Animal Rights Organization. Sounds like no big deal but folks better understand the agenda of the H$U$. They follow the teachings of Prof., Peter Singer. The man who wrote the book "animal liberation". It's a dangerous agenda that is sweeping this country and gonna do more damage then good to our economy and way of life. People better wake up and start getting involved in thier childrens lives too. It's beleived that almost 300,000 teachers are card carrying members of PETA and other Animal Rights Organization. They also support the Aniaml Liberation Front with fund to help finance thier sicko programs of burning and destroying our labs and doctors trying to help folks survive deadly diseases..
I was happy to hear the pitt bull dogs were rescued. Please do not let the (animal shelters kill them) Hire the DOG WHISPERER, to help these dogs and pay him instead, allowing shelters to kill, and sell their bodies to PET FOOD COMPANIES.We need some long over due TRUTHS.
Well we can see Ben is not going to sugar coat anything, I agree with most all he said. One thing I didn't see him tell you about was the way HSUS pays some people to travel from state to state to gather signatures on ballet measures they want on certain issues. Not sure how legal it is for residents from out of state to do this. My question is how closely are some of these people related to organizations like ACORN, I see some similarity as to the way they do business.
so im hoping this doesnt end up a negitive, sad ending, from the pics it shows that these dogs are letting humans handle them and seem to be happy about it even. i pray the people in charge of their fate gives them another chance at life like they deserve, and i wish i was closer to them and could help, or even adopt one. my female pit is 8 now, and from the day i got her has brought so much joy into my life, its time we do the same for them, and stop the cruety, and dont take their lives when they can be rehomed. i just wish them the best, and thanks for the humans that are pulling for them, we really all need to come together for these bully breeds until the world can realize they are not evil dogs, and we have to stop them from being put into the hands of monsters.
ps. just like the article says at the end, if your gonna rescue these animals you need to follow through with the job, rescuing isnt everything.
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