The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Humane Society of the United States assisted in seizing 367 dogs in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia in what is believed to be the second-largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history, the ASPCA said today.
The two organizations became involved at the request of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI.
After a three-year investigation initiated by Auburn police, 13 search warrants were executed Friday throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Texas.
Ten suspects were arrested and indicted on felony dog fighting charges. If convicted, defendants could face up to five years in prison, as well as fines and restitution.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Humane Society of the United States assisted in seizing 367 dogs in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. (Courtesy of the ASPCA)
Federal and local officials also seized firearms and drugs, as well as more than $500,000 in cash from dog fighting gambling activities that took place over the course of the investigation.
"These defendants were betting between $5,000 and $200,000 on one dog fight," U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. said. "The number of dogs seized and the amount of money involved this in case shows how extensive this underworld of dog fighting is.
The dog fighters "abuse, starve and kill their dogs for the supposed 'fun' of watching and gambling on a dog fight," he said. "Their behavior is deplorable, will not be tolerated and will be punished to the full extent of the law."
In July 2009, another multi-state dog fighting raid -- the largest federal crackdown on dog fighting in U.S. history -- resulting in the rescue of more than 500 dogs. The eight-state raid spanned Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska and Mississippi and resulted in more than 100 arrests.
In the latest raid, the remains of dead animals were discovered on some properties, where dogs were housed and allegedly fought.
ASPCA and Humane Society responders helped manage the removal and transport of the dogs to temporary emergency shelters in undisclosed locations. Responders are also providing veterinary care and behavior enrichment to the dogs, which are estimated to range in age from just several days to 12 years.
"Today we ended the torture of hundreds of abused and neglected dogs," said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. "Never again will these dogs be forced to fight, live in squalor, or be neglected and deprived of the bare necessities."
Conditions of the dogs varied, but a large number of the dogs appeared emaciated.
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 anywhere on the property. Many had wounds, scars and other conditions consistent with dog fighting.
Makeshift, filthy dog houses -- many improvised from plastic and metal barrels and others made of chipboard with rotting wood floors and rusted metal roofing -- provided the only shelter from the heat and humidity.
"We are committing to eradicating dog fighting in every dark corner where it festers," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society. "This series of raids reminds every dogfighter that they are not beyond the law and their day of reckoning will come."
Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
"Dog fighting is a horrific form of abuse and a highly organized crime that exploits animals for entertainment and financial gain," said Tim Rickey, vice president of the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response team. "Thousands of others all over the country continue to endure unimaginable suffering and death just like this at the hands of dog fighters. We want to end it once and for all."
via blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/367_dogs_rescued_in_3-year_dog.html
The two organizations became involved at the request of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the FBI.
After a three-year investigation initiated by Auburn police, 13 search warrants were executed Friday throughout Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Texas.
Ten suspects were arrested and indicted on felony dog fighting charges. If convicted, defendants could face up to five years in prison, as well as fines and restitution.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and The Humane Society of the United States assisted in seizing 367 dogs in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. (Courtesy of the ASPCA) Federal and local officials also seized firearms and drugs, as well as more than $500,000 in cash from dog fighting gambling activities that took place over the course of the investigation.
"These defendants were betting between $5,000 and $200,000 on one dog fight," U.S. Attorney George L. Beck Jr. said. "The number of dogs seized and the amount of money involved this in case shows how extensive this underworld of dog fighting is.
The dog fighters "abuse, starve and kill their dogs for the supposed 'fun' of watching and gambling on a dog fight," he said. "Their behavior is deplorable, will not be tolerated and will be punished to the full extent of the law."
In July 2009, another multi-state dog fighting raid -- the largest federal crackdown on dog fighting in U.S. history -- resulting in the rescue of more than 500 dogs. The eight-state raid spanned Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska and Mississippi and resulted in more than 100 arrests.
In the latest raid, the remains of dead animals were discovered on some properties, where dogs were housed and allegedly fought.
ASPCA and Humane Society responders helped manage the removal and transport of the dogs to temporary emergency shelters in undisclosed locations. Responders are also providing veterinary care and behavior enrichment to the dogs, which are estimated to range in age from just several days to 12 years.
"Today we ended the torture of hundreds of abused and neglected dogs," said Matt Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. "Never again will these dogs be forced to fight, live in squalor, or be neglected and deprived of the bare necessities."
Conditions of the dogs varied, but a large number of the dogs appeared emaciated.
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 anywhere on the property. Many had wounds, scars and other conditions consistent with dog fighting.
Makeshift, filthy dog houses -- many improvised from plastic and metal barrels and others made of chipboard with rotting wood floors and rusted metal roofing -- provided the only shelter from the heat and humidity.
"We are committing to eradicating dog fighting in every dark corner where it festers," said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society. "This series of raids reminds every dogfighter that they are not beyond the law and their day of reckoning will come."
Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
"Dog fighting is a horrific form of abuse and a highly organized crime that exploits animals for entertainment and financial gain," said Tim Rickey, vice president of the ASPCA's Field Investigations and Response team. "Thousands of others all over the country continue to endure unimaginable suffering and death just like this at the hands of dog fighters. We want to end it once and for all."
via blog.gulflive.com/mississippi-press-news/2013/08/367_dogs_rescued_in_3-year_dog.html
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