Federal and state investigators have made 12 arrests and rescued 367 pit bull terriers in a multi-state raid to shut down a dog fighting ring in what is believed to be the second-largest raid against organized dog fighting in the United States. The government agents and local police teamed up with animal rescue agencies including the ASPCA to save the dogs from untold torture.
“In one yard, 114 dogs, the majority tethered to heavy chains, sat in 90 degree heat, scratching at fleas, with no fresh water or food visible anywhere on the property. Some appeared to have no access to water at all, and many exhibited wounds, scars and other conditions consistent with dogfighting,” according to the ASPCA.
“Makeshift, filthy doghouses — many improvised from plastic and metal barrels and others made of chipboard with rotting wood floors and rusted metal roofing — provided the only shelter in the sweltering heat and humidity. Some dogs pulled at chains and cables that were tethered to cinder blocks and car tires. A female dog did her best to tend to six puppies, just weeks old, with no food or water, in a pen littered with trash and feces.”
$500,000 in gambling proceeds were also confiscated along with guns and narcotics. Arrests were made in Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia.
“These defendants were betting between $5,000 and $200,000 on one dog fight,” stated U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr. “The number of dogs seized and the amount of money involved in this in case shows how extensive this underworld of dog fighting is. These dog fighters abuse, starve and kill their dogs for the supposed ‘fun’ of watching and gambling on a dog fight. Their behavior is deplorable, will not be tolerated, and will be punished to the full extent of the law.”
These dogs were rescued and moved to undisclosed locations where they are being treated, fed and shown affection. Efforts will be made to rehabilitate and find adoptable dogs their forever homes.
so sad! 🙁
when was this?
This week.
I really hope each and every individual responsible for this nightmare pays a high cost. Enough is enough- stronger laws and penalties is the only way! If they cannot get punishment that hurts the pocket book for animal abuse please please let them get the maximum for illegal gambling. Is there anyone in these states that we can start calling to complain to???
Just once I wish the punishment would be made to fit the crime.
this makes me sick as hell. Let me tie you to a box and give you no water or food in the hottest day of the year. I would leave you there you worthless piece of crap. Look at them so skinny. Iam so sad over this.. I wish I had a huge farm with lots of acres and I would have a home for Pits…… I take them all and love everyone of them.
How terrible! Look at those little puppies- how could those people make them fight? Glad they were rescued.
Bastards should be executed. I don’t want my tax dollars going to feed and house these pieces of shit. Put a frigging bullet in their head and be done with it. Problem solved. Poor dogs. Pisses me off to my core. Some people should just be executed as they are no good to society and just a cancerous growth.
It’s time to set an example out of these low lifers. This should not be tolerated EVER……. we all need to write the States governors and make sure these abusers pay for this horrific crime dearly. A bullet to the head would be fine with me. Honestly that would be to nice. Tie them up and let some lions get them, so they could experience the pain they caused on these beautiful animals.
Can we just pass a national law and kill these bastards?
When is this going to STOP ?
whats this another Michael Vick story ? The punishment NEVER fits the crime for the abuse of all animals. It makes me sick.
I agree with Tammy & Dan !