Rescue from alleged dogfighting in Florida

Our Animal Rescue Team just rescued 82 dogs and puppies from multiple properties in a suspected dogfighting case in Florida. One dog’s leg appears to have been traumatically amputated and never medically treated. Many others are thin, some with open wounds and no apparent access to food or clean water.

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Throughout the properties, many of the dogs were on heavy chains with plastic barrels or makeshift structures as their only source of shelter, while others were found stepping in their feces in filthy outdoor hutches and pens. On one of the Union County properties, two young puppies were whimpering without their mother in an outdoor hutch.

Humane World for Animals responders found numerous dogs who were covered in scars consistent with dogfighting on each property. Many of the dogs were underweight, some suffering from skin issues, sores or recent wounds. On the property in Clay County, a dog was missing his foot. Veterinarians determined he had apparently suffered a traumatic amputation which was not medically treated. Dogfighting paraphernalia was found on each of the properties, including treadmills and conditioning and breeding equipment.

Kevin W/AP Images for Humane World for Animals

Dogfighting is a cruel blood sport and breeds criminal activity

Dogfighting causes severe and often fatal injuries and egregious suffering. The dogs used in organized dogfighting operations are specifically bred and conditioned for fighting, which is only the beginning of a lifecycle of abuse and mistreatment. Around the world, Humane World for Animals has seen that these cruel events co-occur with other crimes related to weapons, violence, gambling and illegal drugs.

Typical dogfighting injuries include severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs used in these events often die of dehydration, infection, blood loss, exhaustion or shock hours or even days after the fight.

Over the years, law enforcement raids have unearthed many disturbing facets of this illegal practice. Young children are often present at these events, which promotes insensitivity to animal suffering, enthusiasm for violence and disrespect for the law. Illegal gambling is commonplace at dogfights, with wagers of thousands of dollars at stake. This profitability makes dog fighting commonplace in organized crime settings as well as the streets.