Dogfighting Bust: 350+ Dogs Seized and in Need of Help, 26 People Arrested

categories: Companion Animals, Investigations and Rescues

Published July 09, 2009 @ 08:57AM PT

One of the big stories today is news that across multiple states, including my two home states of Illinois and Missouri, multiple dogfighting rings have been busted at once, with 26 people charged and at least 350 dogs seized (some reports this morning are now saying 400-plus dogs).

This is definitely significant news. But if you see anyone claiming that the dogs have been "saved," please remind them that although it is a relief that these operations have been shut down and that the dogs are being removed from their hellish, horrifying circumstances, we don't yet know if they're saved. Ending dogs' torture and misery in a dogfighting operation is the first step; saving them is the next--and most of these dogs never make it to that second step. Instead, their second step takes them into a gas chamber or a meeting with a lethal injection. Evaluations and then, ultimately, judges will decide these dogs' fate. We just don't know yet how many will live and how many will die in this group of hundreds.

But right now, the dogs are very much alive and in need of significant care. The Humane Society of Missouri--no stranger to rescues (puppy mills and animal abuse and neglect are a constant problem in Missouri)--is providing that care for 300-plus of the seized pit bulls, and they could use help.

Beyond monetary donations, if you're in the St. Louis area:

Supplies needed: large box fans, sheets, full-size towels, blankets, shredded paper, newspaper, creamy peanut butter and sturdy toys. Donations can be dropped off at the Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters at 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Raids Take Aim at Dogfighting Network from the Kansas City Star

26 People Charged in Dogfighting Crackdown from the New York Times

Dogfighting Sweep Results in Arrests of 26 People in 5 States from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (includes photo gallery of one of the sites and seizure of that site's dogs)

Photo above by Emily Rasinski for St. Louis Post-Dispatch/STLToday.com

Share this Post

Comments (6)

I swear my pacifist skin gets rubbed really raw when I hear stories about people who fight with animals. So much that left to opportunity I could give way to a violent side of myself that's a stranger to me... I would love to give these people an hour's taste of what harm they force on others!

The sad thing is with "rescued" fighting animals... Even when a rooster fighting ring is busted, the chicks and hens are also destroyed. Most courts can't be bothered with finding them homes. And many believe the "killing" instinct is inbred. I've been trying to get my local sheriff to change this policy - but it's been difficult... after all, they're "only" chickens. :(

Posted by Bea Elliott on 07/09/2009 @ 10:52AM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Reply
- Like
For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment. In the process we will also create a Change.org account for you so you can track this and future conversations. Don't worry - we won't spam you. We just want to promote constructive dialogue and find that people are more respectful when they are not anonymous.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

reply to thread started by by Bea
Check Spelling
- Email me when there are new posts to this thread
- Comment Policy
Cancel Reply
and because they are pit bulls and were fought they will all lose their life...... how sad that this day in age this still happens ; ( Is it ever going to end?

Posted by S W on 07/09/2009 @ 12:05PM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Reply
- Like
For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment. In the process we will also create a Change.org account for you so you can track this and future conversations. Don't worry - we won't spam you. We just want to promote constructive dialogue and find that people are more respectful when they are not anonymous.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

reply to thread started by by S
Check Spelling
- Email me when there are new posts to this thread
- Comment Policy
Cancel Reply
I dont understand people. Dont they get that these are loving, living creatures and they dont want to be forced to fight and live in cruel conditions...? Why is that so hard to understand???

Posted by Samantha L on 07/09/2009 @ 09:21PM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Reply
- Like
People that only care about money, will never understand.

Posted by L.S. hope on 07/10/2009 @ 01:17AM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Like
Reply to thread
For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment. In the process we will also create a Change.org account for you so you can track this and future conversations. Don't worry - we won't spam you. We just want to promote constructive dialogue and find that people are more respectful when they are not anonymous.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

reply to thread started by by Samantha
Check Spelling
- Email me when there are new posts to this thread
- Comment Policy
Cancel Reply
The 26 arrested people need serious consequences. It is disgusting that Michael Vick has been freed. The people who are assisting and saving are the best of our species. Rev. Bookburn - Radio Volta

Posted by Rev Bookburn on 07/10/2009 @ 04:25PM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Reply
- Like
For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment. In the process we will also create a Change.org account for you so you can track this and future conversations. Don't worry - we won't spam you. We just want to promote constructive dialogue and find that people are more respectful when they are not anonymous.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

reply to thread started by by Rev
Check Spelling
- Email me when there are new posts to this thread
- Comment Policy
Cancel Reply
It goes without saying that the people arrested all deserve fair trials. Innocent until proven guilty still holds.

The dogs, likewise, deserve fair evaluations, for eventual placement in loving homes.

Posted by h h on 07/10/2009 @ 08:41PM PT
- Report close
  You must be signed in to report content.
- Reply
- Like
For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment. In the process we will also create a Change.org account for you so you can track this and future conversations. Don't worry - we won't spam you. We just want to promote constructive dialogue and find that people are more respectful when they are not anonymous.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

reply to thread started by by h
Check Spelling
- Email me when there are new posts to this thread
- Comment Policy
Cancel Reply

Add a Comment

For your comment to be published, you will need to confirm your email address after submitting your comment.

If you already have an account, click here to log in.

First Name:

Last Name:

Email:

Create Password:

Comment

Check Spelling

Email me when there are new posts to this thread
Comment Policy

Comments on Change.org are meant for further exploration and evaluation of the ideas covered in the posts. To that end, we welcome constructive comments. However, we reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive, abusive, or off-topic; that contain ad hominem attacks; or that are designed to subvert or hijack comment threads rather than contribute to them. Repeat offenders may be permanently removed from the site at our discretion.

Author

Stephanie is an independent animal rights advocate, a vegan, a tree-hugging environmentalist, and a freelance editor and writer. She lives in St. Louis with an aging corgi-lab and an adolescent rescued pit bull.