Case in point:
In the dark hours of early dawn this past weekend, Deputy Hadder received an anonymous tip that an organized dog fight was in progress. The caller indicated that they feared dogs had been killed, and others critically injured.
The caller complained that what sounded like loud “whooping and hollering”, obviously from spectators, and the chilling screams and yelps from dogs was quite disturbing.
Deputy Hadder responded to the location immediately, but found the dogs had been removed. With some sharp investigative work, Hadder obtained information as to where the dogs had been moved, subsequently finding a tragic scene in which one dog lay mangled and dead in the brush.
Hadder stated, “The “loser” had been thrown out like yesterday's trash, after being torn apart by the “winner” of the fight, who was found nearby, gravely injured. Though he was unable to lift his horribly swollen head and his body covered in bleeding wounds, a heavy chain attached to a thick collar tethered him to his death bed; his bed being a rusted piece of tin roofing.”
Rescuers, on the scene, helped pick up the bleeding dog, drove miles to the nearest emergency vet clinic, and watched as this dog took his last agonizing breath on the examination table. Clearly shaken, one of the “Good Samaritans” remarked, “As his life slipped away, he looked at us with the saddest eyes, and feebly gave a little wag of his tail.”
Hadder advised that two very young dogs were rescued. “They had a few scars on their faces, but appear friendly. Apparently, the handlers had not yet succeeded in ruining their chances for a kinder, safer life. They are safe now.”
The investigation concluded with the arrest of two males, whose names have not been disclosed at this time.
Dog fighting is a vicious blood sport that leaves animals mangled and maimed. Even though it is illegal it continues to thrive and is kept hidden from public view.
The "losers" are often killed by their handlers, or thrown out to die an elongated painful death.
Deputy Hadder, a member of the Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET), explained that more often than not, illegal drug activity is associated with dog fighting rings. He added that breeders of Pit Bull dogs add to the immense problem, but legally proving criminal intentions, according to the current law, is an obstacle.
Hadder encourages support from the community. “Your tips are important in combating this merciless, illegal blood sport. We want to rid Walker County of this criminal element that is a threat to law-abiding citizens, as well as to innocent dogs.”
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