Largest simultaneous dogfighting raid in history

July 9, 7:23 PMSF Dogs ExaminerShelley Frost

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Dog stands chained before taken away by HSUS officials in St. Louis (AP Photo Emily Rasinski)

Standing chained to rusty oil barrels amid patches of weeds, dogs by the dozens were rescued today from a series of dog fighting rings in eight different states.  The ASPCA, HSUS and federal law enforcement agencies combined forces to raid dogfighting rings in Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas rescuing hundreds of dogs from this illegal blood sport.

“This intervention is a momentous victory in our ongoing battle to end the cruel, criminal dogfighting industry,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The HSUS.

“The Humane Society of the United States thanks the USDA Office of Inspector General and the Humane Society of Missouri for their commitment to eradicating this nationwide business enterprise that thrives off the pain and suffering of dogs.

With each raid we get one step closer to ending this cruel bloodsport.”

Preparations for the raid were underway months in advance:  Kennels to shelter the confiscated animals, volunteers to care for them, transportation resources, veterinary and behavior evaluations.  Each of the rescued dogs will be evaluated as to whether or not they can be placed up for adoption.

Close to 450 dogs, most of them American pit bull terriers, were seized throughout the raid.

For information on how you can help these dogs and to end the vicous, ilegal sport of dogfighting contact HSUS.

Chained dogs before taken away by Humane Society officials in St. Louis. (AP Photo Emily Rasinski)

Dogs being taken away by St. Louis Humane Society officials. (AP Photo Emily Rasinski)

A lifelong dog and animal advocate, Shelley Frost wrote Your Adopted Dog: Everything You Need to Know about Rescuing and Caring for a Best Friend in Need (The Lyons Press, 2007) with coauthor Katerina Makris.

Email Shelley: shelley@youradopteddog.com, and visit www.youradopteddog.com