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.
Latest updates
July 28, 2025: At the urgent request of the Fort Wayne Police Department, we are headed to Indiana to assist with the seizure of dogs connected to an alleged dogfighting operation.
July 29, 2025: We are on the ground working alongside law enforcement in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dogs are being pulled from filthy conditions—some in dire need of veterinary attention.
July 30, 2025: We are continuing to transport theses dogs to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers will provide much-needed care and treatment.
July 31, 2025: Thanks to our supporters, more than 20 dogs are now safe, but the fight isn’t over. Please give now as we support their recovery and help them start new lives.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Urgent: Dogfighting rescue
These dogs are in urgent need of veterinary attention. Please donate NOW to help get these dogs the care they need and give more animals a chance at better lives!
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.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
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.
Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals
Humane World for Animals
FAQs
The Fort Wayne Police Department announced an arrest in connection with the case. Law enforcement is best suited to speak to any further details related to the status of the case.
These animals are not available for adoption at this stage. We are focused on addressing their immediate needs at this time and will share updates as more information becomes available.
The animals are in a safe location receiving treatment and much-needed attention. We keep the location of animals rescued as part of law enforcement seizures confidential for the safety and security of the animals as well as that of our team on the ground.
The assistance of Humane World for Animals was requested by the Fort Wayne Police Department, which is leading the investigation.
Many dogs rescued from dogfighting can go on to enjoy safe, happy lives as loving family members, often in homes with other pets. Each dog is unique, and rescue staff can help advise on which animals would thrive with companionship of other pets and how to facilitate introductions.
The socialization period is critical for all puppies, and adopters of puppies rescued from these situations should be diligent in setting their new puppy up for success through ongoing proper socialization and training.
We always hope to see positive outcomes and a new beginning for the animals we rescue, while recognizing that they have often endured a lot in terms of trauma, wounds and health challenges. At this stage, we are focused on providing a safe environment for these dogs to decompress as we identify and address their immediate needs while providing expert care and attention.
Donate today to our Emergency Animal Relief Fund!
We never know where disasters will strike or when animals may be in need of urgent rescue, but we know we must be ready. Your support makes our preparedness, rescue, care and relief work possible.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS