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One of the 350 plus dogs rescued in the largest
dog fighting operation in U.S. history. Photo by AP.
According to the FBI, officials have derailed the largest dog-fighting operation ever seen in U.S. history. The mass canine cruelty involved five states and so far 30 people have been arrested. In addition to arrests, nearly 350 dogs, mostly pit bull terriers, were seized during early-morning raids yesterday, reports the FBI.
The multi-state dog-fighting raid was the result of a yearlong investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across Missouri, Texas, Illinois, Iowa, and Oklahoma. [Arkansas is rumored to be involved, update to follow]
The Humane Society of Missouri played a subtantial role in the arrests of the dog fighting participants. Consumer Affairs provides additional details on the accused.
(Reader warning, disturbing details on canine cruelty)
According to the indictments, the defendants not only obtained, bred, and trained pit bull dogs for fighting but denied the dogs adequate care such as medical treatment. The abused dogs often suffered injuries from the fights and were “routinely” destroyed.
Euthanasia was no more humane as some of the dogs were killed by electrocution or gunshot. Sometimes this occurred when the dogs performed poorly in the dog fighting ring.
A 2007 federal law makes dog fighting a felony in all 50 states. In this case, those arrested face felony charges that carry maximum sentences of five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
What about the dogs and what can the public do?
As noted, the states involved in the dog fighting raid are Arkansas neighbors and citizens may be encouraged to learn more about this tragedy and how they can help ward off animal abuse in their neighborhoods.
The story is sure to sadden and anger many pet owners and animal welfare activists. Though membership in PETA or even the Humane Society is not required to progress and protect the rights of animals in one’s neighborhood.
Simply become informed and be observant about signs of animal abuse and dog fighting. Learn more about pet adoption, if desired, to help facilitate the placement of displaced pets.
One place to start is the local Humane Society but also consider Local Examiners here who focus on dog and pet news and issues.
Many dog lovers on Examiner dedicate themselves to informing the public about such issues as local animal adoption and dog ownership tips.
Those in the affected states may have more to contribute in the upcoming days as well, to include information on local pit bull adoption laws.
Houston Dog Examiner
St. Louis Pets Examiner
Little Rock Pets Examiners
Chicago Pet News Examiner
Animal Advocacy Examiner
Dogs Examiner
National Dog Examiners
Comments
Disturbing! I live in VA and when the Michael Vick dog fighting scandal broke, people were outraged. I hope these animals can find good homes, though unlikely because they were bred to fight. Some people have no conscience - Barbarians!
Stories like these sicken me. These people keep doing it, because the penalties are NOT harsh enough! Our judicial system needs to come up with a more stringent solution, to fight this evergrowing problem. These "people" for lack of a better word, are only making it more difficult for us RESPONSIBLE Pit Bull owners to keep our beloved pets. People like these are why we have breed bans in place. They are ruining this wonderful breed of dog, and trying to make it a monster, which it naturally is not. This makes me sick to my stomach. These poor dogs will probably not be able to have a second chance like the Vick dogs. Authorities are so quick to euthanize this breed. This makes my heart sad.
wonder why this story is so quiet,michael vicks
was all over west hell, but don't tell no one.
Why is this story being keep so quiet, where are the animal right activist. Oh they're the wrong color
My wife and I own two APBT and they are darlin. They sleep eat and play with us and from puppy hood never tried to fight each other. Maybe snap if one is sleeping and the other jumps up on them, but thats it. It makes me sick to hear of such abuse to such sweet dogs. I don't think the penalty is high enough. If they increased it maybe they would stop it.
If this sickens you then don't own a bulldog! These dogs have been used for fighting since they were first born in the 1700's. Everyone of you who own an APBT needs to look at the bloodline you have behind that dog of yours. They all come from a fighting backround and if you track them back far enough you will find it. That's what they were bred for and several other countries recognize this! These animals are true gladiators! Yes it is sad they put all these dogs down and these guys who own them don't take care of them but how are you supposed to? If you take them to a "Vet" your surely taking the chance of getting arrested! Making the law more strickt won't stop dogfighting, just make it further underground than what it is.
Hey you dumb ass, there not bulldogs, they are pitbull terriers, they got there name from fighting bulls, that don't make it right. I have a pitbull, she don't have a mean jean in her body, she is very loving and very gentle dog. Grow the hell up. Maybe your one of the dog fighters, and maybe we should put you in with some of those dogs the YOU MAKE MEAN!!!!!!!!!!!
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