compiled by Patrick H. Moore
There’s an old tradition in the U.S. that isn’t talked about that much. Dog fighting. It’s the sort of thing that makes your blood run cold unless, of course, you’re into it. Then it’s like you’re in a cult. The cult of dog-fighters and their high-stakes blood battles. And along with the dogs and the fights come their infernal bedfellows, drugs and guns.
Now the Feds try to never reveal their sources but you can be sure that somebody or a few somebodies began wagging their tongues and one or more of them may have worked undercover to help the investigation along. All we know for sure is what the U.S. Attorney announced — that the charges are the result of a three-year investigation by nearly two dozen state, local and federal agencies, and that they have arrested 12 suspects and seized more than $500,000, drugs, guns and other evidence. It is being described as a high-stakes ring with bets up to $200,000 per fight.
Karen Brooks of Reuters reported on Monday:
Some 367 pit bulls, many scarred and emaciated, have been rescued and a dozen people across the southeastern United States have been charged with dog fighting in what animal advocacy groups called one of the largest such raids in U.S. history.
“The number of dogs seized and the amount of money involved in this case shows how extensive this underworld of dog fighting is,” U.S. Attorney for the Middle District Alabama George Beck said in a statement on Monday. “These dog fighters abuse, starve and kill their dogs for the supposed ‘fun’ of watching and gambling on a dog fight.”
“I believe if Dante were alive today and rewriting the ‘Inferno’ that the lowest places in hell would be reserved for those who commit cruelty to our animals and to our children,” Beck added.
The suspects, who are stretched across the deep South and into Texas face multiple charges related to dog fighting and gambling. Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and each count carries up to five years.
The dogs were treated with incredible cruelty. Out of the 367 rescued, 114 were described as emaciated. Wounded dogs were found chained to tires, without food and water, in makeshift shelters in scorching summer heat.
“Thousands of others all over the country continue to endure unimaginable suffering and death just like this at the hands of dog fighters,” said Tim Rickey of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which along with the Humane Society of the United States helped remove the dogs.
The Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA are caring for the animals at undisclosed locations. ASPCA vice president Tim Rickey said the dogs are finally getting a loving hand from people who care for them.
“We want to end it once and for all.”