Pit Bull Puppies Poisoned At Pit Bull Awareness Event

by Megan Drake October 19, 2012 @ 4:00 pm

Pennsylvania is not known as very animal friendly as evidenced by the legality of live pigeon shooting in the state. Now comes an alarming story of six 8-week-old pit bull puppies who were poisoned while attending a pit bull awareness event in Hollidaysburg. How’s that for irony?

Founders of A Darrah Bull Bully Rescue (ADBBR) brought the pups to the first annual Central Pennsylvania Pit Bull Awareness Day on Saturday, October 13. At about 2:00 p.m. Renae Metz, one of the founders, noticed that one of the puppies, Yogi, looked like he was having trouble. “His stomach was bloated, he had glazy eyes and couldn’t hold his head up,” said Metz.

Yogi was rushed to Ebensburg Animal Hospital where he died. The other five pups – Niayah, Mongy, Aramis, Deacon and Takoda – were sent to the animal hospital for observation and given IV fluids. Tragically, Takoda also died.

A necropsy confirmed poisoning. Brittany Miller, another founder of ADBBR, spoke with me by telephone and relayed the veterinarian suspected bleach or a bleach-based product was put in the water bowls. This caused their livers to start bleeding. Two days before, the puppies were given a clean bill of health by the veterinarian.

ADBBR is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to a conviction of the perpetrators. The money was generously donated by some of the adoptive parents, and others, with a $1,000 donation from a single person. Both the Pennsylvania State Police and the State Dog Warden are actively investigating this poisoning.

All of the surviving puppies have been approved for adoptive homes. Media coverage brought numerous applications. Niayah, Aramis, Deacon and Mongy are all back in their foster homes awaiting final adoption. Brittany told me the veterinarian wants to wait a little longer to spay/neuter because of the poisoning. He wants to ensure it is totally out of their systems before surgery.

Understanding Bully Breeds

ADBBR rescues all bully breeds — from Rottweilers to bulldogs and pit bulls. They are dedicated to educating the public about bully breeds. Did you know in the early twentieth century pit bulls used to be called “nanny dogs” because they were so dedicated to protecting the young children of their household?

It’s important to understand that any dog has the potential to bite humans.

Without proper socialization as a puppy within a loving home, any dog can become aggressive. If a dog – any breed – is raised to be violent you have the possibility of aggression causing harm to humans and/or other animals.

It is also imperative that people — especially children — be taught humane education and the proper way to interact with unfamiliar dogs and other animals. According to the American Humane Association (AHA), of the 4.7 million estimated dog bites each year almost 800,000 require medical intervention. Fifty percent of the attacks were on children under the age of 12.

Many townships have passed breed-specific legislation (BSL) but this only serves to provide a false sense of security, because any dog can become aggressive. BSL is expensive and often poorly-enforced, therefore providing little protection to the general public from dog bite incidents.

The AHA reports 25 different breeds of dogs were involved in 238 fatal dog attacks in the U.S. and sites “responsible breeding and ownership, public education and enforcement of existing laws are the most effective ways of reducing dog bites.”

Check out events for the 6th National Pit Bull Awareness Day, being held this year on October 27.
So yes, that adage “it’s the deed, not the breed” is something we should all be aware of.
Take a look at some photos of the poisoned puppies Brittany Miller shared with me.


Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/pit-bull-puppies-poisoned-at-pit-bull-awareness-event.html#ixzz2A2NdVzWg

Dolly the blind Pit Bull

Dolly is a 6 year old female pit bull. She came to our shelter on October of 2009, because she was scheduled to be euthanized at the local city pound. She was the perfect candidate to be put down, because she was blind; her head was cracked with a baseball bat; she had possible brain damage; her right ear was almost hanging off, and was apparently lit on fire judging by the burns and scabs on her body.

Hers is not really a unique story in animal rescue, but she is possibly the sweetest creature I’ve ever encountered – especially after what she’s been through. She’s so innocent that I’m sure she thought she must have been a bad girl and deserved to be punished.  She has ZERO aggression, and actually adores any type of human interaction. She also lacks the ability to frown. What I mean is that from the moment she awakens to the time she goes to bed at night, she has the most genuine beaming smile.

She also loves to play with other dogs after she has the opportunity to meet them and determine that they play fair, since she can’t see. When a person or canine that she knows enters her room, she immediately starts to buck like a deer, twirl and frolic like a puppy. We have a volunteer who recently had a death in the family, who relies on playing with her every day. He calls her a life saver, and actually she would probably qualify to be a therapy dog.

We had her spayed and her head, ears and body are long healed, but the blow(s) to the head seemed to have affected her sight permanently. Regardless, my volunteer is going to adopt her, since he has permission to take her to work!! -- Robert

 

Dolly's story has a happy ending thanks to the volunteers who rescued her and treated her for her injuries. It is important to remember that Dolly is one of many animals who fall victim to abuse at the hands of humans.

The Patrick Miracle

 

 

March 16, 2011: An emaciated Pitbull-mix is discovered in a garbage bag by maintenance workers at the bottom of a 19-story tall garbage chute. The dog is immobile, but ALIVE. This is how he looked on arrival that Newark's animal shelter that night. 

The 22 story apartment building is equipped with garbage chutes on each floor for tenants. Someone had ... no more use for this dog. They had starved it to near death, put it in a garbage bag and threw it down the garbage chute. A maintenance worker cleans out the bin every few days and on Wednesday, March 16th, they were cleaning out the contents of the container to go directly into a trash compacter. The bag moved a little and the worker opened it to find a moribund dog inside -- pathetically thin, cold and near death.

The City of Newark Animal Control was contacted and ACO Arthur Skinner picked up the dog and brought him directly to the Society. The veterinary staff immediately put him on intravenous fluid.His temperature was so low that it did not even register on the thermomenter. He was covered with heating pads and blankets.

After a brief time at the Society's Newark facility, he was ambulanced to Garden State Veterinary Specialists in Tinton Falls -- a referral hospital with 24 hour emergency care. If he died during that night, we feel he would know that everyone loved and cared about him and treated him gently and lovingly. He amazed everyone at the Society and at Garden State by surviving with the 24 hour emergency care that they rendered. He was given a blood transfusion, a bath -- and even a walk! In honor of the first day of his re-birth, we call him Patrick -- in honor of St. Patrick's Day and we hope he has the luck of the Irish!

 

It is now 18 months later and just look at Patrick!

Absolutely beautiful!

 

 

 

Go read more about Patrick's amazing story on his Facebook Page :

http://www.facebook.com/ThePatrickMiracle

Pit Bulls Saved By $1 Million Grant From PetSmart Charities

by Sharon Seltzer - July 31, 2012 - 3:44 pm

PetSmart Charities is doing their part to stop overcrowding in animal shelters and the senseless killing of two of the most euthanized pets across the country. They have awarded $1 million in grants for a nationwide spay and neuter campaign for pit bulls and cats.


The campaign called “Primp Your Pit” is being offered during August at 63 non-profit spay and neuter clinics in 30 states. The goal is to sterilize 6,750 pit bulls during the month.

The grant program, which hopes to reduce overcrowding in city animal shelters, offers spay and neuter surgeries for a special rate of $20, including a free nail trim.

PetSmart Charities reports that 35 percent of cats and dogs in U.S. households are not spayed or neutered. “Pit bulls, in particular, end up in shelters in large numbers due to the myths and negative media and public perceptions that are associated with the breed.”

“Our national grant program gives much-needed help to pit bull terriers that are especially at risk,” said Susana Della Maddalena, executive director of PetSmart Charities, Inc. “Through the ‘Primp Your Pit’ promotion and our ongoing efforts to make affordable spay/neuter surgeries available to the public, pet parents can prevent unwanted litters and ensure their pet lives a long, happy life.

Each year approximately 8 million pets end up in shelters and 4 million of them – about 11,000 a day – are euthanized. Many become homeless as a result of accidental litters from parents that are not fixed.

In February the grant program ran another campaign to sterilize cats, called “Beat the Heat.” It tried to spay and neuter cats before “kitten season” began in the spring. The effort was very successful and spayed and neutered 17,000 cats in one month.

Participating “Primp Your Pit” clinics are listed on the PetSmart Charities website.

PetSmart Charities was established in 1994 as a non-profit organization to create and support programs that save the lives of homeless pets, raise awareness of companion animal welfare issues and promote healthy relationships between people and pets.

In Memory Of Lennox, Dog Put To Death For Resembling A Pit Bull

A determined 22-month long legal battle and a heartfelt social-media campaign for Lennox the dog came to a sad end on Wednesday. The 7-year-old dog was euthanized in Northern Ireland because his appearance resembled a pit bull terrier, a breed that is banned in the country.

 

 

 

A statement from the Belfast City Council said it had humanely destroyed “one of the most unpredictable and dangerous dogs” that its appointed expert had ever come across. The council said they carried out the court-ordered euthanasia for reasons of public safety and “a sustained campaign of abuse” against city officials from protestors.

Lennox’s story began two years ago when he was taken into custody because he looked like a pit bull dog. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are outlawed in Britain.

Caroline Barnes, who owned Lennox, testified in court that her dog was a bull dog mix, not a pit bull terrier and that he had never bitten anyone. She asked the court to let her move Lennox outside of Northern Ireland in an area that did not have breed specific legislation. She wanted Lennox to come to a sanctuary in the United States.

News of Lennox’s case launched a massive online campaign by animal lovers in Britain and the U.S. to save the dog’s life. The commitment of tens of thousands of “Save Lennox” fans, LennoxArmy followers and Care2 petitioners continued during the entire 22-months he was imprisoned.

Barnes fought for her dog’s life in the court system until the very end. After nearly two years, Lennox’s fate was determined last month when an appeal was dismissed by Northern Ireland’s senior judges. The judges upheld two 2011 rulings to have Lennox euthanized.
Meanwhile Lennox endured the time at a municipal animal shelter in Belfast where employees claimed he was becoming more aggressive and unpredictable.

Councilman Pat McCarthy said, “The people looking after Lennox for the past two years said that one minute the dog was placid and friendly, and the next he would try to get through the fence to get at you.”

Perhaps Lennox was getting as frustrated with the legal process as the humans fighting for his life.

Victoria Stilwell, host of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me Or the Dog,” said “I hoped Belfast City Council would realize that there were alternatives that provided a sanctuary for Lennox in the USA where he would be safe, but they did not listen.”

On the final day Caroline Barnes and Lennox were refused the last shred of humanity that could have been given; Barnes was not allowed to be with her dog when he died.

A Facebook page for Lennox gave an “official statement” from the family: "We have been denied the opportunity to say goodbye. We have also been told that we cannot collect his body and bring Len home. We have been informed, however, that we will receive "some" ashes in the mail."

Rest In Peace, Lennox.

Maryland Declares All Pit Bulls ‘Inherently Dangerous’

by Allyson Koerner May 8, 2012

Last week, the Maryland Court of Appeals officially declared all pit bull-type dogs as “inherently dangerous.” As a result, owners are now more likely to forcibly give up their dogs.

Some feel this is a grave mistake and will have negative effects in the animal community.

“Anyone in custody of this type of dog including owners, landlords, veterinarians, kennels, animal shelters and rescue groups are considered liable even if the dog does not pose a threat,” AllPetNews reports.

There seems to be more than the classification of an animal that makes a dog dangerous. Lack of socialization, type of environment, good or bad qualities of an owner, along with many other elements contribute to whether a pit bull should be deemed dangerous.

However, the Maryland Court of Appeals says “when an attack involves pit bulls, it is no longer necessary to prove that the particular pit bull or pit bulls are dangerous.”

The law doesn’t just include pit bulls, but also dogs that resemble pit bulls. Here are just a few of the actions that will go into effect immediately, according to AllPetNews.

1. Due to abandonment and/or forcing one to give up their dog, there will be an increase of stray pit-bull type dogs in Maryland.

2. More pit bulls living in shelters will be euthanized.

3. Citizens of Maryland will bear a financial burden and live in fear that they will have to abandon their pit bulls.

The law comes into effect ever since 10-year-old Dominic Solesky was mauled by a pit bull in 2007.
Most recently, a Maryland animal rights group, Maryland Votes for Animals, is urging others to ask the governor in a special session next week to pass new legislation regarding the law.

“In Maryland, current law is what we call a one bite rule, that all dogs get one bite before they are determined to be dangerous but what this law does, what it says is pit bulls and pit bull mixes…are immediately considered to be inherently dangerous and we feel it’s absolutely wrong,” Chairwoman Carolyn Kilborn of the animal rights group said.

Pitbull stolen from Kuils River, was found in George

English Translation at the bottom

GEORGE. – ’n Piekniekmandjie met tuisgebakte frikkadelle het gisteroggend hier gewag op ’n geliefde gesinshond wat meer as ’n week gelede onder verdagte omstandighede by haar huis in Kuilsrivier verdwyn het.

Die Roux-gesin het gisteroggend douvoordag van Kuilsrivier gery het om Nikita, ’n Amerikaanse veghondteef, op George te kom haal.

Inspekteurs van die Tuinroete-Dierebeskermingsvereniging (DBV) het Maandag in die agterplaas van ’n huis op Blanco op hul troeteldier beslag gelê.

“Dit was soos ’n dood in my huis,” het Riëtte Roux, ’n werknemer van Distell op Stellenbosch, gister in trane aan Die Burger gesê.

Nikita het twee Sondae gelede uit die Rouxs se agterplaas in Kuilsrivier verdwyn. Sedertdien is ’n grootskaalse veldtog van stapel gestuur om hul lieflinghond op te spoor.

’n Onbekende man het met sy flinke optrede gesorg dat die storie ’n gelukkige einde het. Hy is glo in die Kuilsrivier-gebied deur ’n onbekende jong man genader om Nikita te koop. Hy het egter dadelik die hond herken aan die hand van pamflette wat in die omgewing versprei is.

Die man het die registrasienommer van die vermeende verkoper se wit Toyota Tazz afgeskryf en die inligting oorgedra aan die Lucky Lucy-stigting, wie se nommer op die pamflet verskyn. Werknemers van die stigting kon sodoende ’n adres op Blanco opspoor.

“As dit nie vir hom was nie, het ons nou nog gesoek,” het Roux gesê.

Inspekteurs van die Tuinroete-DBV het Nikita in ’n kleinerige houthok van 1m by 2m in die huis se agterplaas gevind.

“Volgens die jong man se ouma wat tuis was, het hy Nikita ‘verniet’ in die Kaap gekry,” het Salomé Botha, hoofinspekteur, aan Die Burger gesê.

Botha het glo 20 minute lank probeer om die polisie te oortuig om haar na die perseel te vergesel. Sy het die inspeksie uiteindelik met die hulp van ’n kollega, André Baardman, gedoen.

“Ek dink hulle wou dalk met haar teel, sonder die wete dat sy reeds gesteriliseer is,” het Botha gesê.
“Gewoonlik word net Amerikaanse veghondreuns vir hondegevegte gebruik.”

Volgens Botha is ’n saak by die polisie op Kuilsrivier aanhangig gemaak en dit word tans ondersoek.

- Die Burger



English Translation

GEORGE. - Yesterday morning a picnic with homemade meatballs awaited a loved family dog ​​that disappeared more than a week ago under suspicious circumstances from her home in Kuils River.Yesterday morning at dawn, the Roux family of Kuils River drove to George to fetch Nikita, an American Pitbull.

Inspectors of the Garden Route SPCA (SPCA) seized their pet on Monday in the backyard of a house in Blanco, George.

A tearfull Celia Roux, an employee of Distell in Stellenbosch, told Die Burger yesterday, "It was like a death in my house"

Nikita disappeared two Sundays ago from Roux's backyard in Kuils River. Since then, a large-scale campaign was launched to track their beloved dog.

An unknown man with his quick actions ensured that the story had a happy end. He was approached in the Kuils River area by an unknown young man who tried to sell Nikita. However, he immediately recognized the dog by means of pamphlets being distributed in the area.

The man reported the registration number of the alleged seller's white Toyota Tazz, to the Lucky Lucy Foundation, whose number appears on the leaflet. Employees of the foundation thus found an address in Blanco.

"If not for him, we would still be looking," said Roux.

Inspectors of the Garden Route SPCA found Nikita in a small 1m by 2m doghouse in the backyard at the address.

"The young man's grandmother was home, he got Nikita 'free' in the Cape," Salome Botha, chief inspector, told Die Burger.

Botha spent for 20 minutes trying to convince the police to accompany her to the site. She eventually did the inspection with the assistance of a colleague, Andre Baardman.

"I think maybe they wanted to breed with her, without knowing that she has been sterilized," said Botha.

"Usually only American Pitbulls (males) are used for dog-fighting."

According to Botha the case was reported at the police station in Kuils River, and is being investigated.
- The Burger

KuilsRiver is between Cape Town and Paarl.
Distance from Cape Town to George is approximately 438 km (272 miles)

Nikita sure was a long way from home

Pit bull ban lifted: 1st pittie up for adoption

Weatherford, Texas: This beautiful girl is smiling from ear to ear. Until today, pit bulls were routinely put to sleep at the Weatherford shelter. Under a new ruling, exemplary pit bulls like this certified love bug will be put up for adoption at the Texas shelter outside Fort Worth.

The shelter fell under national criticism for their pit bull ordinance and just recently began an initiative to adopt pit bulls to the public. Rescuers and animal advocates networked hard to change shelter policy. Hopes are high for success to not only save lives, but to appeal to other kill shelters like the Houston SPCA that kills all dogs who look like pit bulls.


This lovely lady is up for adoption. She is smiling for so many reasons. To inquire about her and how to adopt, contact:
Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter
403 Hickory Lane
Weatherford, TX 76086
‪(817) 598-4111 or (817)598-1112
animals@weatherfordtx.gov


Cindy Marabito of Reunion Rescue writes the American Pit Bull Examiner stories to save lives. Every click on a story donates a small sum to the animals of Reunion Rescue.


Please subscribe to and keep reading the American Pit Bull column where this and other pit bull stories are followed and the truth, made known.


Join National Examiner's American Pit Bull on Facebook.
Check out Pit Bulls and Other Animals blog.
Author - Pit Bull Nation
Pit Bull Nation is a tell all book about rescuing pit bulls from death row for over twelve years.


Now available in e-book and print.

http://www.amazon.com/Pit-Bull-Nation-Cindy-Marabito/dp/145388601X/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top/176-3101093-1955257

Pit Bull Struck by Freight Train While Pulling Owner Away from Tracks

May 8, 2012

Dr. Kiko Bracker of Angell Animal Medical Center tends to Lilly before her right front leg is amputated (credit: Angell Animal Medical Center)

BOSTON, May 8, 2012 – Just after midnight on May 3 the engineer of a westward-bound freight train witnessed an extraordinary scene as he barreled toward a railway crossing in Shirley, Mass.—a dog was frantically pulling an unconscious woman away from the tracks. The engineer made every attempt to stop the train but was unable to avoid striking 8-year-old Pit Bull Lilly before she could clear herself from the train’s wheels.

Lilly’s human companion was unharmed but the dog was not nearly as fortunate. The train’s wheels sliced through her right foot, fractured her pelvis in multiple locations and caused other internal injuries. Critically wounded, Lilly lay down next to her companion, who remained unconscious until help arrived.

Lilly Stays Calm Throughout Calamitous Scene

The train’s engineer later told first responders that he witnessed the dog pulling the woman—Christine Spain of Shirley—off the tracks as the train drew near. The engineer, who asked not to be identified, was convinced the train had struck both Christine and the dog, and realized only after stopping and rushing to their aid that Christine was unharmed but Lilly had suffered a catastrophic injury to her right front leg.

The engineer immediately called emergency services, who arrived to find Lilly standing guard over Christine, who had collapsed alongside the train tracks while walking home from a friend’s house. Lilly’s calm and composed demeanor—despite the wail of sirens, flashing lights and frantic din from first responders struggling to make sense of the scene—is all the more remarkable given her life-threatening injuries, which by now were bleeding profusely. A Shirley animal control officer immediately drove Lilly to an emergency animal hospital in Acton where Boston Police Officer David Lanteigne, who adopted the once shy and anxious dog five years ago from an animal shelter, recovered her and rushed to Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston.

David had adopted Lilly three years ago as a companion for Christine, his mother, who had suffered from alcoholism nearly her entire life. Lilly became the center of Christine’s universe—and Lilly’s presence provided Christine a comfort she had never known. Said David of the bond between the dog and his mother: “Lilly means the world to my mother, who doted on the dog from the moment she came to live with her. Lilly has also played a crucial role in helping my mom drastically reduce her drinking. Lilly’s recovery from this horrific ordeal is my top priority right now and I’ll do everything possible to get her back home to us.”

Upon arriving at Angell’s Emergency and Critical Care Unit, Dr. Alice D’Amore immediately took charge of Lilly’s care. The administration of sedatives and pain medicine calmed her enough to allow the veterinary team to determine the extent of her injuries, and plan for the emergency surgery and ongoing treatment she would require. Lilly’s right foot had been completely “de-gloved”—its skin, muscle and connective tissue torn clear away. Multiple fractures to her left pelvis were especially troubling because, should she survive surgery, she could be permanently unable to bear weight or walk without assistance.

Angell’s World-Renowned Surgery Team Tends to Lilly

The veterinary team concluded that Lilly’s right front leg could not be repaired and the only option would be to amputate the entire limb. Lilly braved this surgery on Saturday, May 5. After a short recovery she endured a second surgery to repair her pelvis and rear left leg—which is now supported with steel plates. Lilly’s life will never be the same as she will be unable to bear weight or walk without assistance for the first few months after her surgery. Still, the veterinary team at Angell is optimistic that the spirit she showed as she rescued Christine may be just the trait that sees her through this new phase of her life.

Said Dr. Meg Whalen, a staff criticalist at Angell’s Emergency and Critical Care unit: “As a 24/7 emergency care hospital it’s fair to say that we have ‘seen it all’ with respect to companion animal emergencies. However, Lilly’s selfless bravery has captured the hearts of our entire staff. Her injuries are very serious and her road to recovery will be long. But she’s got the character and spirit that sometimes trumps all of our medical advances when it comes to recovery. I think she’s got what it takes to get back to her former self.”

Donations Sought to Offset Lilly’s Care

Because of the severity of Lilly’s injuries and the extensive treatment she required, the MSPCA-Angell has provided financial aid through its Pet Care Assistance program to help cover the cost of Lilly’s care. In addition to supporting other MSPCA programs, Pet Care Assistance provides financial aid to families whose animals need emergency, intermediate and critical care at Angell. Readers who would like to donate to Pet Care Assistance can navigate to www.mspca.org/helplilly.

Hero Dog Challenges the Public’s Perception of Pit Bulls

At a time when Pit Bulls are maligned and erroneously stereotyped as violent or unfriendly, Lilly’s bravery is testimony to the true nature of these amazing dogs. Far from being aggressive, unfriendly or indifferent, Lilly is a bona fide hero and an ambassador for Pit Bulls everywhere. The MSPCA-Angell’s Advocacy, Law Enforcement and Adoption Center teams have worked for years to challenge the notion that Pit Bulls are innately dangerous. It is only recently that Pit Bulls have been cast erroneously as villains. At the height of the breed stature in the early 20^th century they were often seen as the most decorated heroes in the U.S. Lilly has demonstrated the unconditional love and loyalty that is a hallmark of Pit Bulls—and many, many other dogs as well.

Said Jean Weber, the MSPCA’s director of animal protection: “Lilly’s story has moved us all beyond measure. I hope her actions will underscore the truth about Pit Bulls—that they are amazing animals and are as devoted to their family as any other dog.”

Once Lilly fully recovers from her surgeries she will go home to live with David, his girlfriend and their two Golden Retrievers (whom Lilly adores). Christine has moved in with David to help with Lilly’s convalescence. Lilly’s recovery will be monitored regularly by the veterinary team at Angell to ensure she has every chance of returning to her former self.

For more information about Angell Animal Medical Center’s Emergency and Critical Care Services click here.

###

Angell Animal Medical Center cares for more than 50,000 animals a year and is one of the most acclaimed veterinary practices in the country. Angell has 67 doctors and an experienced support staff who work as a team to ensure high quality general wellness, emergency and specialty care. With 31 board-certified specialists and technology that includes an MRI specifically designed for animals, Angell is committed to providing a broad range of specialized expertise and experience, but delivers this care with one-on-one compassion that animals and their owners deserve. Angell is open for emergencies 24 hours of every day of the year, and offers night and weekend appointments with our specialty services.

http://www.mspca.org/about-us/press-room/2012/pit-bull-struck-by-freight.html

SPCA numbers in South Africa

Why is Reporting Animal Cruelty Important?

Some people do not want to report animal cruelty because they do not realize that the action is a crime or they are afraid to report cruelty committed by a friend or neighbor. However, reports often can be made anonymously.
Here are just a few reasons why reporting animal cruelty is important:

• To help an animal at risk
• To alert law enforcement agencies to crimes that may otherwise go uninvestigated
• To document a pattern of behavior for repeat offenders
• To prevent future violence to animals and to people.

Studies have shown strong links between animal cruelty and domestic violence, child abuse and violent crimes.

Whom Should You Call?

There are no winners in a dog fight



An injured dog sits in a Genesee County Animal Control van during an investigation into a suspected dog fighting ring by animal control and the Genesee County Sheriff Department at a house on East Bishop Avenue in Flint on Monday. Authorities found five dogs at the scene. Three have been euthanized

On Monday, April 9, 2012, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department and Animal Control responded to 626 E. Bishop in Flint, Michigan. They found what was believed to be a bait dog in the home’s driveway. The animal was reported to have extensive injuries and could hardly stand up. Bait dogs are used to train dogs to fight. In one article that I read, the bait dog was a chocolate lab and it was later discovered that this animal had received the most extensive injuries, ranging from deep, severe wounds, multiple fractures and one injury that could only have been brought about by a human; having a blunt object shoved into his rectum. In the video of the seizure, the chocolate lab is unable to stand on his own and appears ready to die. His face is heart-breaking. Four other dogs have visible injuries; including cuts, bite marks, and a broken leg.

The home’s garage floor was said to have been covered in animal faeces and fresh patches of blood. A soiled mattress had been used as the fighting arena and fresh blood covered a dog cage. Authorities believe that the ringleader is a 14 year old boy who has been questioned. Sheriff Pickell said the boy was currently on a 180-day minimum suspension from school and that he had been kicked out of school at least 10 times in the past.

On Wednesday, April 11, 2012, Sheriff Pickell declared, "What we've got here is a serious dog fighting group." He made that statement as dogs were seized from another home in Flint, MI on the city's north side. This came two days after the five dogs were seized on Monday, April 9th from a home (626 E. Bishop) that was three doors down the block. Sheriff Pickell says those dogs seized on Monday were tortured and three of them had to be euthanized, while two others will be put up for adoption. The dogs seized on Wednesday came from the grandmother’s home. “One of the dogs that we brought out appeared to be nursing and our first impulse is to believe that they may be breeding these dogs,” Sheriff Pickell said.

According to Sheriff Pickell, the 14 year old boy was believed to be operating the ring in a garage behind his mother’s home. His mother was arrested Wednesday on unrelated warrants. The boy was released after hours of questioning, but the case is still under investigation as there could be more suspects and more dogs involved.

On Thursday, April 12, 2012, six of the seven dogs seized were to be returned to their owners because authorities said they don’t have enough evidence to hold them.

I have pieced together the above story from several different news sources in the Flint, MI area, in an effort to make the story as concise as possible. The following link is very difficult to read due to the graphic nature of the contents, but I urge you to do so in hopes that you will become as outraged, saddened, and horrified as I was upon discovering the gory details. http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2012/04/vet_releases_gory_report_in_do.html (Read story below article)

It is my hope that justice will be served in honour of these horribly abused animals and that measures will be taken to prevent the same from happening to those animals that were returned. The person/s who perpetrated these acts was a sadist and they do not deserve to be walking around free. Many reputable studies have clearly shown the connection between animal torturers and serial killers. If a 14 year old is responsible, then I hope he is tried as an adult. He is clearly very disturbed and needs to be incarcerated, along with those who were supposed to be responsible for him. Dog fighting, as one investigator put it, “is one-stop shopping for law enforcement” because it almost always involves illegal weapons, drugs, gambling, and is linked to many other crimes.

Animals have no voice, but we do. If we combine our collective voices, we will be heard loudly and clearly. Please sign this petition and respectfully ask Mr. David Leyton, the Prosecuting Attorney for Genesee County to see that this case is fully investigated and that any guilty parties are prosecuted to the fullest extent. Mr. Leyton can be reached at: 900 South Saginaw Street Flint, MI 48502 (810) 257-3210.

Here is the story

FLINT, MI -- Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell said a "gory report" by the county veterinarian showed that animals seized from a suspected dog fighting ring lived a violent life.

"It appears that torture is also an issue here," Pickell said.

Five dogs were seized Monday from a home on East Bishop Avenue on Flint's north side after authorities found a "bait dog," or a dog used to train other fighting dogs, in the home's driveway.

Three of the animals, including the bait dog, have since been euthanized.

One of the animals, a tan and white pit bull, had fresh bite wounds on both of its ears as well as deep bite wounds into its mouth, Pickell said. The animal also had three fractured ribs, which Pickell said is evidence the dog had been tortured and kicked.

A second pit bull had a fractured tibia that occurred more than three days ago.

The bait dog, a chocolate Labrador retriever, had the most extensive injuries, Pickell said.

The Lab had bite wounds throughout its body, with deep, severe wounds on its front legs. It also had a deep laceration along its shoulder, which was bleeding, and an open compound fracture of its humerus.

The base of the Lab's tail had multiple fractures that likely were inflicted by the other dogs biting and pulling the animal, Pickell said.

One injury on the Lab, however, was likely caused by human contact.

Pickell said an injury revealed that the animal was likely the victim of blunt force trauma when a foreign object was inserted into its rectum.

Genesee County Animal Control Chief Officer Walt Rodabaugh said Tuesday that two of the animals were unable to stand up and that the injuries the bait dog received were "just brutal."

Pickell said many of the injuries the dogs received are typically associated with dog fighting.

"Dog fight injuries typically occur on the front legs and face from sparring," Pickell said.

The other two dogs that were seized Monday will likely be put up for adoption, Pickell said.

Authorities also seized five dogs and two puppies and the mother of a 14-year-old suspected of being involved with the dog fighting ring was taken in to custody on an unrelated warrant on Wednesday.

Pickell said his office is working to obtain warrants as its investigation continues.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 810-257-3407.

Gary Ridley can be reached at 810-280-9516. You can also follow him on Twitter @GaryRidley or on Facebook.

http://www.change.org/petitions/there-are-no-winners-in-a-dog-fight