Other articles with keyword "DOGGIEPING" since 12/29/04
Posted on 03/26/2007 7:35:05 AM PDT by kanawa
DAYTON, Ohio - Local, state and federal authorities simultaneously raided seven kennels and a warehouse where they said dogfights were about to be staged, seizing 64 dogs and arresting two dozen suspects following a yearlong investigation.
All of the dogs seized Saturday night in southwest Ohio will be euthanized because they were bred to fight, even if they appear friendly to people, said John Goodwin, deputy manager of animal fighting issues of Humane Society of the United States. He called it one of the largest dogfighting investigations in Ohio history.
"It's heartbreaking. You have a female pit bull and she's wagging her tail and licking your hand but she's missing part of her lower jaw because it's been torn off in a fight," Goodwin said Sunday. "It was completely healed over. This is a brutal and very cruel activity."
The raided kennels are in Dayton, Cincinnati and Trotwood. Some have been prominently mentioned in underground dogfighting magazines, Goodwin said.
Authorities said they also seized drugs, guns and money. A mix of federal and state charges were to be announced Tuesday, said Goodwin and Fred Alverson, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Columbus.
Twenty-two law enforcement agencies participated, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's office of inspector general and the Ohio attorney general's office.
Fighting dogs were in crates but not yet taken to a fighting ring at the warehouse in an industrial section of Dayton when the raid began, said Goodwin, who helped triage the dogs after arrests were made. The dogs will be put to death after they're no longer needed as evidence in the case.
More dogs are involved in the organization, and authorities are seeking more kennels, Alverson said.
In January, the Montgomery County Animal Resource Center said it had to euthanize about a dozen aggressive pit bulls out of 72 dogs seized by Dayton police in dogfighting raids from July to October. The dogs were being held as evidence against five men facing felony charges, and those killed were attacking shelter workers.
Alverson said he did not immediately know if last year's raids were related to the latest investigation.
A bill before Congress would raise federal dogfighting charges to a felony from a misdemeanor. Dogfighting is a felony in Ohio and 47 other states
RDO ping
Yet, those who perpetrated the dog fighting will not be put down, despite being shown to participate in dogfighting.
No, not put down but hopefully put away.
This from a Rottie forum...
"Dog fighting is a felony in Ohio, punishable by a fine of up to $2500.00 and/or 18 months to five years in prison.
In 2000, the penalty for a second conviction for dog fighting was raised to a Felony 3 status,
which has fines to $5000.00 and 2-10 years in Prison."
Why Should You Care?
Dog fighting has become a serious issue within our community. Why should you know how to recognize and report suspected dog fighting activities? Because dog fighting is a felony in Ohio and is linked to many other illegal and criminal activities. Law enforcement and animal welfare investigators report:
Research shows young children who view this type of violence have a greater acceptance of aggressive attitudes and behavior. These children are taught to believe that it's okay to inflict the cruelties they observe and that dog fighting is an acceptable practice.
Other Signs of Dog Fighting
Just because your neighbor owns a pit bull does not mean that he or she is a dog fighter.
Signs of serious dog fighting include:
What Should You Look For?
Men, women and children attend dog fights throughout the year. Dog fighting is not a "seasonal sport."
Virtually any area within the community can hold a dog fight:
Observing adolescents and/or adults with dogs, going to or coming from a site, should peak your curiosity.
The party-like atmosphere surrounding a dog fight is noticeable. Spectators cheer for their chosen dog as the bets stack up. Growling and barking, especially if other breeds of dogs are being used, is sometimes recognizable.
What Breed of Dogs are Involved in Dog Fighting?
Dogs which have the appearance and characteristics of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier or any other breed commonly known as pit bull, may be used in dog fighting activities. Other large breeds of dogs may also be used for dog fighting.
Dogs used in fighting often times have observable characteristics:
What Can You Do?
Remember that violence, weapons, and illegal activities go hand-in-hand with dog fighting. Report any suspected dog fighting activities, to the appropriate local agency.
Your report will be kept confidential to the maximum extent possible.
It is up to you and your neighbors to spread the word that dog fighting is not acceptable in your neighborhood.
Who Can You Turn to for Help? In Lucas County, if you or someone you know suspects dog fighting, do not hesitate to contact one of the following agencies:
Remember, reporting dog fighting will reduce violence and illegal activities in your neighborhood!
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This is a sick activity. No one who cares about dogs would allow this. And it shows who is responsible for the viciousness of these dogs on an individual basis.
Doggie Ping???
This story makes my heart hurt. My dogs are so important to my family, it makes me sick to think of what these animals go through.
Dog fighting is common in my area (NE MS)and around Memphis. I'd be better off urinating on a fencepost than reporting any suspicious activities because the local LE doesn't give a rat's butt about it plus the judges let the drug dealers off the hook for this activity.
Thats a good start I would also like to see names, faces and address' posted online and in the paper.
BUMP
The humans responsible should reveive a very hefty prison term. Eliminating the alleged "pitbull" will never work as the perpetrators will simply turn to other breeds.
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