Rescue in Indiana

On July 28, 2025, Humane World for Animals deployed to a suspected dogfighting situation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where dogs were found in heartbreaking conditions. These dogs are in urgent need of veterinary attention. Many have significant scarring, and several dogs have untreated wounds. Most of the dogs, including puppies as young as 10 weeks old, have been suffering in extreme heat without access to water. Please donate to help us provide lifesaving medical care and give these survivors the second chance they deserve.

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Conditions on-scene

• The region was under a heat advisory with the heat index reaching approximately 110 degrees when responders arrived to the first property, where they found dogs panting in filthy hutches and cages.
• Despite the scorching heat, many of the dogs had no access to water, and some had significant scarring consistent with dogfighting.
• A dog was found in a cage inside a sweltering garage with an old, large wound on his neck.
• Responders discovered a shed containing dogfighting paraphernalia, including two treadmills and a stand typically used in dogfighting operations to restrain dogs for breeding.
• Dogs were found on heavy chains outdoors with inadequate protection from the elements, several suffering from flystrike, a serious condition caused when flies lay eggs on an animal. Others were found in cramped cages indoors with no water, including female dog who was covered in scars and missing part of her lip.
• Veterinarians identified blood spatter on the walls of the basement.
• Despite their circumstances and appalling living conditions, many of the dogs appeared eager for attention.

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.