Over 100 dogs rescued from suspected dog fighting ring in Florida
Welfare experts from the ASPCA who assisted in the operation said many of the dogs have scarring consistent with organized dog fighting.
A dog during the rescue operation. Credit: ASPCA
More than 100 dogs believed to be victims of dog fighting have been rescued.
The rescue mission is part of an investigation into a suspected dog fighting operation across multiple locations in Florida.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) joined the St. Petersburg Police Department in Pinellas County to assist with the case.
With over 100 dogs including puppies needing help, the ASPCA were needed to conduct behavior forensic exams on all of the animals to support the investigation. The group also helped provide ongoing sheltering, medical care, and treatment and enrichment for many of the dogs at an animal cruelty recovery facility.
Credit: ASPCA
Sadly, veterinary forensic examination of the dogs found that many of the animals had scarring consistent with organized dog fighting and many of the dogs had untreated medical conditions.
Credit: ASPCA
Dog fighting is much more common than many people realize, warns the ASPCA. The nonprofit estimates that there are tens of thousands of individuals forcing hundreds of thousands of dogs to train, fight and suffer every year.
The horrific practise continues to take place across the country despite dog fighting being a felony in all 50 states.
Credit: ASPCA
Since 2010, the ASPCA alone has assisted with more than 300 dog fighting cases in at least 24 states, and helped nearly 6,000 victims of dog fighting.
“The ASPCA is committed to working alongside law enforcement and other animal welfare agencies to bring dogfighting to an end by deploying our specialized subject matter experts to provide critical case support and consultation, as we are doing with this investigation,” said Matt Bershadker, CEO of ASPCA. “We’re deeply grateful to all the agencies involved in this case for pursuing justice for these animals and continuing to make animal welfare a priority in Florida."
As well as assisting the animal victims of dog fighting, the ASPCA has also trained more than 35,000 law enforcement officers and animal welfare professionals across the country to better identify and respond to animal cruelty situations, including dog fighting.
We Have A Favor To Ask…
Species Unite amplifies well-researched solutions to some of the most abusive animal industries operating today.
At this crucial moment, with worldwide momentum for change building, it’s vital we share these animal-free solutions with the world - and we need your help.
We’re a nonprofit, and so to keep sharing these solutions, we’re relying on you - with your support, we can continue our essential work in growing a powerful community of animal advocates this year.
