GOOD NEWS

Hundreds Rescued in Six-State Dogfighting Raid

July 8, 2009

Hundreds of Dogs Rescued in Six States



One of the dogs rescued from an Ala. dogfighting raid in June. © The HSUS 2009


The Humane Society of the United States assisted federal, state and local authorities today in the unprecedented rescue of hundreds of dogs from multiple organized dogfighting operations.

Following a lengthy investigation spurred by evidence collected by The Humane Society of Missouri (HSMO), Wednesday morning officers from multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies made arrests and seized dogs in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.

This is the largest simultaneous raid of multiple dogfighting operations in the history of the United States.

A Milestone in the Fight to End Dogfighting

“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.”

The HSUS acted as lead animal welfare agency in the rescues in Texas and Oklahoma and assisted the HSMO with the rescues conducted in Missouri and Illinois. That organization contacted us more than a year ago to provide expert assistance with this rescue.

The HSMO worked in cooperation with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Attorney to orchestrate this immense operation. The ASPCA, United Animal Nations and PetSmart Charities® are also assisting in various aspects of the rescue and sheltering efforts.

A Long Time Coming

For more than a month The HSUS has been doing logistical preparation for the raids, transporting equipment and specialized emergency shelter kenneling for hundreds of dogs to Missouri. Dozens of HSUS experts and volunteers have gathered to provide animal handling, transport, sheltering and documentation assistance. Many of the dogs rescued from these dogfighting operations will be taken to the emergency shelter in specially designed animal transport vehicles provided by The HSUS.

While they are being cared for, each dog will be evaluated by animal behavior experts from the Humane Society of Missouri and other organizations to determine their suitability for possible placement with rescue groups or individual adopters.

This rescue operation is a great example of how national and local animal welfare organizations can work together to combat the barbaric animal fighting industry.

What You Can Do

Help The HSUS in our national efforts against dogfighting with a gift to our rewards fund. If you suspect dogfighting in your community, learn how you can take action.