Pit bull puppies being housed at the emergency shelter.

Linda Campbell plays with dogs at an emergency shelter.

In July the largest dog fighting raid in US history took place, hundreds of dogs were rescued.  Sadly 160 of the rescued dogs had to be put down due to illness, behavior, or injuries. The good news is that 120 of the dogs are now going to foster homes, and hopefully the remaining ones will get to do the same.

Here are the details from the Associated Press.

They are not a vicious animal. They are the victims of abuse,” said Debbie Hill, vice president of operations for the Humane Society of Missouri. “That face and their eyes tell the story. They only want to be in someone’s home, on a couch, or sleeping at someone’s feet, maybe chew up a rug or two for entertainment. They’re learning for the first time how to be a dog.”

Once at the Missouri shelter, dogs were tested by a national team of certified animal behaviorists, taken on walks, and allowed to chew on bowling balls stuffed with peanut butter. Some finicky eaters were treated to home-cooked chicken breasts to supplement meals of dog food.

The Human Society offered The Associated Press first access to the site Tuesday. During the tour, puppies born since the raid took turns playing tug of war with a chew toy in a play room. Humane Society staff members pulled a catering cart down a long row of dog cages, calling animals by name as they slid them bowls of food.

This is such a great story because usually all the dogs involved in dog fighting get put down, they’re never even given a chance.  Maybe this is the foreshadowing of changes that are going to be put into place so the victim, the dog, isn’t the one punished for the perpetrator’s crime.

*Courtesy AP Photo/Jeff Roberson

She is currently being fostered at a wonderful home but needs her own permanent loving forever home.

Hope was neglected and abused until, as a 6-8 month old puppy, being thrown into a rock quarry in an attempt to drown her. Her spirit and determination allowed her to fight for an indeterminate amount of time, acquiring significant injuries to her feet and legs as she tried desperately to free herself. Somehow, she found a small ledge, where she huddled for another indeterminate amount until Fire and Rescue rock climbed and rafted her out. By this point, she was totally catatonic and responsive due to her fear.

The reason my home was chosen for foster care was because of the very special pack of rescued animals who lives here. There is a rescued fighting dog who was used as bait and subsequently lost a rear leg and underwent 3 surgeries, another dog that was abandoned twice before the age of 3 months who is now a Therapy Dog for humans and other animals, and three elderly cats who were abandoned at various stages in their life. They now work together to help other animals adjust and recover from bad situations. One of these cats keeps all arriving foster dogs company by spending the night sleeping in front of their crates, as well as by engaging in boxing matches with the dogs regardless of their size.

The other two cats perform grooming rituals on the foster animals, washing faces, ears and paws. The dogs patiently engage the newcomers, coaxing them out of their shells, educating the traumatized dogs about how to join a pack.

Within hours, this group had enticed Hope to let her guard down and engage in a bit of play with them. In a few days, she began to initiate interaction with me. In a week, she was allowing select strangers to approach her. In just a matter of a month or two, Hope transformed from catatonia into a happy, playful, engaging dog who has adopted the philosophy of “I’ve never met a stranger”. People are shocked to hear of her past when they meet her….they see her as a typical puppy.

We all knew that the magical pack could bring Hope around. We assumed that because of her public story (she was in the newspaper, and has her own journal on our website) she would find a home quickly. But despite the fact that Hope loves people–including kids, other dogs, and cats, and despite her good manners in a home environment, she has had little to no interest from potential adopters.

Unfortunately, in this tough economy, many people have chosen to forgo the added expense of a pet. Not only are people not adopting, many are actually dropping their family pets off at the pound to cut costs.

This is not a good time to be a dog without a home. But Hope is a fighter, and a survivor, and we continue to fight for her. We have spread the word about this wonderful girl in as many ways as we could think of.

Thank you to Amy, the volunteer at the shelter who sent me the letter as well as Hope’s  foster, for showing her that people are good. Let’s see if we can’t help find this beautiful girl a home in time for Christmas, what a gift that would be. If you are interested in Hope please contact the North Mecklenburg Animal Rescue for further information. You can also read Hope’s daily journal and see a video of this amazing girl, you’ll fall in love when you see her playing with the other pups.

Please tell everyone you know about Hope, send out emails, post and crosspost.  If we all work together we can find her the home she deserves. After all, where there’s faith, there’s HOPE.

(AP) According to WHAM 13, officials at the Buffalo City Animal Shelter say they had to put 12 of the dogs down because they were extremely aggressive. Authorities say many of the dogs were covered in scars from fighting.

Out of the 13 surviving dogs 8 are puppies.  Hopefully all the others will be adopted into loving homes. Once again we see the victims paying the ultimate price for the abusers crimes.

* PIC NOT RELATED TO ARTICLE:  There was no pictures with the story so I put handsome TJ up to see if we could get him a home, he’s a very gentle and loving boy. He’s a lover, not a fighter. This cutie is being fostered in NY, check out his homepage.

It’s about Robert Stevens who was found guilty of violating  a statute by selling a commercial video that includes footage of dog fighting.

Here are the details of the case from The Washington Post.

United States v. Stevens

Robert J. Stevens produced videos he says were intended to show owners how to train their pit bulls to ward off predators, such as coyotes, or help in hunting expeditions involving wild boar. As part of his self-styled instructional videos, Stevens included footage — admittedly gruesome — of some of these endeavors gone terribly wrong, including one passage that showed a pit bull mauling a hog. The federal government charged Stevens with violating a statute that prohibits the sale or possession of material that depicts a live animal being maimed, tortured, injured or killed. The statute in question was passed during the Clinton administration, presumably to combat the proliferation of videos showing high-heeled women crushing small animals for the prurient enjoyment of viewers. Yet during the past decade, it has been invoked only three times in prosecutions involving those involved in some way with dog fighting.

Stevens was convicted of selling videos of dogs fighting each other and attacking other animals.  The law includes a provision stipulating that those who produce “serious” material with a journalistic or educational bent are exempt from prosecution. It is now up to the Supreme Court to decide whether the law passes constitutional muster or whether it violates the First Amendment by prohibiting speech that may be offensive but perfectly legal.

There are supporters of Stevens who do not condone animal cruelty but are concerned about the conviction based on “freedom of speech.”  The American Humane believes this law is necessary and does not infringe on the true intent of the First Amendment.

“This is a case about animal cruelty, plain and simple,” said American Humane President and CEO Marie Belew Wheatley. “Every state has passed laws to protect animals from cruelty and neglect and has found this issue to be important in protecting communities. Animal cruelty should be a compelling government interest that overrides any attempt to intentionally harm animals under the guise of ‘right to free speech.’ While many parties may argue the technicalities and interpretations of the law, the real focus should be that it is immoral, it is inhumane and it should be illegal to exploit, torture and kill animals for someone’s twisted sense of ‘entertainment’ and someone else’s profit.”

I am obviously a proponent for ‘the right to free speech’ but I can’t possibly see a legitimate reason, or any redeeming value, to depict dog fighting in the video.  Subsection (a) of the law, U.S.C. Part I, Chapter 3, Section 48, states: “Whoever knowingly creates, sells, or possesses a depiction of animal cruelty with the intention of placing that depiction in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years or both.” The exceptions are “any depiction that has serious religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value.” The problem with the law is that it’s rather subjective, it’s up to the interpretation of the reader to determine if any of the above ‘exceptions’ pertain to Stevens’ video.

The final determination will come from the Supreme Court. Hopefully those reviewing the case will all conclude that dog fighting in Stevens’  video has no merit and is inhumane,  it is used for the sole purpose of financial gain.

* Add some Sparkle to your life, she’s up for adoption.

Since his release he has partnered with the HSUS to help bring national awareness about this sadistic “sport” and bring an end to it.

Here are the details from the Associated Press.

“I got caught up in the culture,” Vick told an audience at the Covenant Baptist Church, per the Associated Press. “I never thought that I would get caught.

“I used poor judgment. I had people around me who didn’t have my best interests at heart,” he said.

“Who knows what could have happened at 3 in the morning when you’re fighting dogs?” he said. “It’s almost like being involved in the streets, dealing drugs, in criminal life.”

I’ve got to tell you,  I’m not hearing a lot of remorse in his statements. Not once does he actually take credit for what he did, he blames it on others and is glad he didn’t get hurt while involved in dog fighting.

Several dozen people showed up to hear him, about half were teens or children.

* Pic courtesy McIsaac/Getty Images

In Philadelphia, Eagles fans may be tailgating in the parking lot, but dog lovers will be holding their own party far away from the field.

On the other side of town dog lovers will be tailgating for 2nd Chance Dogs.  The campaign, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was launched after the Eagles signed Vick.

Dog figthing is an ongoing problem in the Philadelphia area, as the bust that just took place in Germantown will attest to.  The 2nd Chance Dogs campaign is all about giving the victims of animal abusers a second chance. People are so busy talking about Michael Vick being deserving of a second chance, saying he’s served his time, paid his due, but yet the dogs who are the true victims don’t get that courtesy.  They receive the ultimate sentence, death.

(AP) “As a lot of people have pointed out, the animals never got a second chance,” the S.P.C.A. chief executive Sue Cosby said. “We need to speak for them.”

For Cosby, Vick’s arrival in Philadelphia has put a needed spotlight on the types of cruelty cases her agency deals with every day – and that is where she wants it: on the dogs, not on the dogfighter.

The three dogs pictured-Clemintine, Google, and David- are all 2nd Chance Dogs who are up for adoption at the Pennsylvania SPCA.  Each of them has been abused, neglected, and unloved, but with proper love and care they are now loyal and loving companions ready for a forever family.  Doesn’t every dog deserve a second chance?

Go to the PSPCA website to read more about the 2nd Chance Dogs, and to find out how you can help an innocent victim of animal abuse.

Since the Eagles signed Michael Vick dog fighting has been the talk of the town in Philly. To add fuel to the fire, The Philadelphia Inquirer reports a dog fighting ring has been busted in Germantown which is just outside the city.

A tip from the animal-cruelty hotline sent officers from the Pennsylvania SPCA to a house in East Germantown. Several dead dogs were found and a few badly injured pit bulls were rescued.  Four men, one is the property owner, face charges.

Today, the Eagles plan to hold a summit of area animal-welfare groups at the NovaCare Complex, the team’s South Philadelphia training facility. Vick is not expected to attend.

“This particular bust is especially timely,” said Gail Luciani, the chief public relations officer for the Pennsylvania SPCA.

George Bengal, director of law enforcement for the Pennsylvania SPCA, said the entire block where the bust took place is a mecca for dog fighting. Roughly 50-75 complaints come in each month, many off the hotline.

It’s great to hear there are people out there that care enough to call the hotline. To file reports of dog fighting and other animal cruelty, contact the Pennsylvania SPCA at 1-866-601-SPCA (7722) or via email.

The pup pictured above is one-month-old Petey, a pit bull mix, he was rescued by a Dogster member after his mother was shot and he (along with littermates) were left in a trash bag to die. He is up for adoption, watch for his full story on the blog tomorrow.

I just read this in our local paper, Vick is scheduled for a visit to Atlanta to attend a Humane Society Event.

Michael Vick canceled a celebration in his hometown of Newport News, Va. so he can attend a Humane Society event in Atlanta.

A spokeswoman for the Humane Society of the United States’ national office confirmed Monday night that Vick is working with the animal organization, but had no details.

The Atlanta Humane Society has no affiliation with the national group and a spokesperson said the local organization has no events scheduled with Vick.

Vick was scheduled to attend a celebration in Newport News on Saturday. The event will be rescheduled so Vick can be in Atlanta, event organizers told the Associated Pres.

Vick has been conditionally reinstated in the NFL after completing a 23-month federal sentence for running a dogfighting ring. The Newport News celebration was to be his first announced public event since his freedom.

Has Vick suddenly become a dog advocate trying to right his wrongs?   Or is this a publicity stunt, trying to get back in society’s good graces?

What I want to know is if Vick becomes a spokesperson for the HSUS is he going to be paid?  Because if he is, I have a big problem with that.

Give me a bark, let me know what you think.

* Pic courtesy Associated Press

I’ve received many emails requesting information on how to help the dogs that were rescued from the dog fighting raids. Unfortunately I really don’t have any updates.

I do have a request from Mary K. LaHay, Director of Iowa Voters for Companion Animals, to take action ensuring the defendants in the case are punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Make a quick call to make sure the people who are charged in the dog-fighting bust don’t get off without facing punishment.

Here’s contact info for the presiding judge,

Judge Sarah Hays, US Magistrate Judge, 816/512-5775

I just called and she picked up the phone!! I simply and quickly asked her to ensure that these folks face charges. She thanked me for calling and we hung up.

I also called the number in the message below and left a message. PLEASE KEEP YOUR MESSAGES AND/OR CONVERSATIONS SHORT AND RESPECTFUL.

Please consider making these calls. It takes less than a minute!

Mary K. LaHay, Director

Iowa Voters for Companion Animals

The seven defendants from Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska who have been indicted on dog-fighting charges will be arraigned day after tomorrow. Carl, I don’t know how far you are from 400 East 9th Street in Kansas City, but the defendants indicted for dog fighting charges will be in court with Judge Sarah Hays at 11:30 on Thursday July 23. She can do whatever she chooses with these guys, and I just visited with someone from the office, and some of the accused have already hired attorneys who will be pushing for dismissal of charges. Whitworth, US Attorney who announced the charges has an office in Kansas City. His phone number is 816-426-3122 or a toll-free number is 800-733-6558. How sad it would be if these charges were dismissed.

If we want change we need to take action.

“You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result”

Mahatma Gandhi

* Photo courtesy AP Photo/St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Thanks to a report from CBSnews.com we get a look at the insider world of dog fighting and the united effort it took to help bring down these dog fighting rings.

“These are animals which are so eager to please. Yet they have been bred to fight and die for human amusement,” said Dr. Randall Lockwood, a senior behavioral psychologist for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which worked closely with law enforcement on the raids. “I do see dog-fighting as the greatest violation of that special bond between people and dogs.”

Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri, said tips had come in from “multiple sources” about dog-fighting and anticruelty workers worked with federal authorities for 18 months. “This heinous, heinous blood sport is not going to be tolerated,” she said.

The national Humane Society said there also were arrests in Arkansas associated with dog-fighting, but no dogs were seized.

Dog-fighting is banned throughout the United States and is a felony in 50 states. A law enacted two years ago increased penalties for activities that promote or encourage animal fighting after a long campaign by animal-welfare groups.

Watch a video of federal agents as they raid dog-fighting operations in Mo. and Ill.

Watch CBS Videos Online

If you can’t see the video in your RSS link, then click here.

Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States, said dog-fighting operations typically are not small acts of animal cruelty, but part of organized criminal networks.

“This was quite an operation and marks the latest in a series of actions that are driving dog-fighting, we hope, off the cliff,” Pacelle said.

The Humane Society of Missouri, working with other agencies, is sheltering hundreds of dogs; believed to be mostly pit bull terriers; seized in Missouri and Illinois raids and their conditions are being assessed. The dogs will be housed, cared for and evaluated at an undisclosed emergency shelter in St. Louis.

HSUS spokeswoman Jordan Crump, a spokesman with the Humane Society of the United States, said each dog seized in all the raids will be evaluated by behavioral experts in hopes of placing as many as possible in adoptive homes.

But the future is uncertain for many of the rescued animals.

“Many if not most of the animals will be euthanized. They have medical or behavioral issues that prevent them from being placed in homes,” said Lockwood of the ASPCA. “The greatest kindness that might be shown to them is a humane death.”

Many of the dogs seized from Michael Vick’s Bad Newz Kennels in the former Atlanta Falcons quarterback’s dog-fighting case fared better. Animal welfare groups said most were able to be placed in homes or sent to an animal sanctuary.

“The Vick case taught us to see dogs in these cases as victims,” said Donna Reynolds, with the Oakland, Calif.-based pit bull rescue and education group Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit bulls, or BAD RAP.

“Animal welfare organizations will have to come together to ensure animals are comfortable in their confinement and they have the best opportunity to be evaluated, and if possible, offered rescue resources,” Reynolds said.

Seven people from Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska were indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s office in western Missouri. The indictment said the seven acquired, bred and trained pit bull dogs for fighting and denied medical treatment for wounds and injuries. One man used a .22-caliber rifle to shoot and kill two underperforming dogs, who fought in roll fights, shot each animal twice in the head, then placed the carcasses in plastic containers outside a garage, according to the indictment.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in St. Louis said five men were indicted there for allegedly running kennel operations to buy, breed, train, condition and develop pit bulls for fighting ventures under such names as Ozark Hillbillys Kennel, Cannibal Kennel and Hard Goodbye Kennel.

The men routinely abandoned, destroyed and disposed of pit bull terriers that lost fighting competitions, did not perform aggressively, or became injured or disabled while fighting, the St. Louis indictment said.

The U.S. Attorney’s office in eastern Texas said nine people were indicted June 30 on dog-fighting charges there. Two FBI task force officers working with a confidential informant posed as dog owners and attended fights in Texas and Oklahoma, according to the indictment. They managed to get video and audio from Jan. 17 fights near Tahlequah, Okla., by accompanying suspects to a remote country building for three dogfights, the indictment said.

Authorities said one man was indicted in Oklahoma and arrested Wednesday near Welling in rural Cherokee County. Five people indicted in southern Illinois for dog-fighting in St. Clair and Madison counties also were arrested Wednesday.

Once again it looks like the dogs will pay the ultimate price for man’s inhumanity, death.