FLORIDA—A multi-property suspected dogfighting bust is underway in Clay and Union counties in Florida. Humane World for Animals, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States, is assisting in the rescue of over 80 dogs and puppies from three properties suspected of dogfighting at the request of Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Union County Sheriff’s Office. Veterinarians from the University of Florida Veterinary Forensics Sciences Laboratory also assisted on-scene.
Officers served search and seizure warrants on three properties, beginning early in the morning on Dec. 10. 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.
“Their scars tell a heartbreaking story—the sadness and suffering these dogs have endured is unimaginable,” says Kate MacFall, Florida state director for Humane World for Animals. “This is a complex, multi-agency collaboration and we are grateful for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and Union County Sheriff’s Office for investigating and bringing justice to these animals.”
Union County Sheriff Brad Whitehead stated, “We would like to thank all the agencies that have been involved in this intensive multi-agency investigation and those that assisted us today to help save these animals. Thanks to Humane World for Animals and Veterinarians from the University of Florida Veterinary Forensics Science Laboratory for assisting our agency. We continue to prove that our agency will not tolerate animal abuse and blatant criminal behavior.”
"We take allegations of animal abuse or dogfighting very seriously, and we are grateful to the community members who stepped forward with information that set this investigation in motion,” says Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook. “We appreciate the USDA and its agents for their dedicated investigative efforts, and we extend our thanks to Humane World for Animals for their invaluable assistance."
Dogfighting causes severe and often fatal injuries and egregious suffering, including 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. 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. Across the globe, Humane World for Animals has seen that these spectacles of cruelty have often been found to co-occur with other crimes related to weapons, violence, gambling and illegal drugs.
Dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for operating dogfights or for possessing, training, selling, buying, delivering, receiving or transporting dogs intended for use in dogfighting.
This year, Humane World for Animals has assisted authorities in Florida, South Carolina and Indiana with the rescue of nearly 200 dogs from 12 properties in suspected dogfighting cases.
Furry Friends Humane is transporting the dogs to a safe, confidential location where Humane World for Animals responders and volunteers will provide much-needed care and treatment. RedRover Responders volunteers will also assist with daily care.