Dogfighting raids save 350 dogs
In the largest simultaneous raid of dogfighting operations in the U.S., 350 dogs were seized and 30 people arrested during raids in five states on Wednesday.
Attorneys have announced related indictments accusing 26 people of cruel acts against animals including shooting dogs in the head when they didn’t fight well, then throwing their carcasses into a river or burning them in a barrel.
The raids in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas and Oklahoma followed a year-long investigation. Most of the dogs seized are believed to be pit bull terriers and will be sheltered in Missouri where they will be evaluated by behavioral experts in hopes of placing as many as possible in adoptive homes.
Dogfighting is banned throughout the U.S. and is a felony in 50 states. In 2007, a federal law was passed increasing penalties for activities that promote or encourage animal fighting.
Dogfighting hit national headlines when then-quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons, Michael Vick, was accused, and later found guilty, of bankrolling a dogfighting operation at his house. Most of the dogs confiscated from his Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels were placed in homes or sent to animal sanctuaries.
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