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| June 23, 2009 |
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Suspected Michigan Dogfighting Operations Raided |
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On Wednesday, June 17, The Humane Society of the United States accompanied federal law enforcement agents and local authorities in raiding three suspected dogfighting properties in rural areas of eastern Michigan. Authorities seized nearly 50 dogs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General (OIG) led the coordinated raids.
While dogfighting is a felony in Michigan, it is also a federal felony to knowingly sell, buy, possess or train any dog for purposes of having the animal participate in a dogfight that involves interstate commerce.
The HSUS assisted with the investigation leading to Wednesday’s raids, and provided assistance on the scene with evidence collection and seizure. The Michigan Humane Society and Missouri Humane Society helped handling dogs on the scene.
"Dogfighting is a criminal underground industry that breeds horrible animal suffering and violence," said Chris Schindler, deputy manager of animal fighting law enforcement for The HSUS, one of several HSUS investigators who participated in the raids.
"We commend the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General for their diligence in pursuing this investigation. Step by step, this nationwide business enterprise built on misery is being dismantled."
Dogfighting Facts
• The HSUS is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization in combating organized animal fighting. We offer up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in these crimes. The HSUS' animal fighting reward program has been made possible by a grant by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation, which is based in Atlanta.
• Dogfighting is a criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs suffer horribly and often die in dogfighting pits each year.
• The HSUS estimates that 40,000 people follow organized dogfighting circuits across the United States, while an additional 100,000 meet on neighborhood streets, alleys and hideaways.
• The HSUS, according to its policy, will recommend that dogs seized in these raids be evaluated for adoption suitability.
• A Chicago Police Department study showed that 65% of people charged with animal abuse crimes—including dogfighting—were also charged with violent crimes against people.
What You Can Do
Learn the signs of dogfighting activity in your community, and how to fight back. |
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where and how would i know the signs unless there on here to stop this b.s!! within the past 2 yrs, i have seen more pit bulls in my area!! and more black people too!!!!!what are the signs to look for!!!!!!???????? and body know or where i could go to find out!???.
6/24/2009
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basenjimama, I find your post VERY offensive. What is that statement about seeing more black people in your area withh all the exclamation points? Are you stating that because you are seeing more blacks, there is more crime? Or only black people participate in dog fighting. Also, as far as pit bulls, I have owned two Staffordshire terriers and they were fine, loving family dogs. I think you need to get your facts, and your head straight.
6/24/2009
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I also find your post extreamly offensive. just cause were black doesnt mean we fight dogs. get some freakin common sense and stop being a douche bag!!
6/24/2009
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I agree, what is the point of the article if they are not going to give us any more information or the signs they keep talking about?
Here are some:
dogs that aren't treated as a family pet.
dogs outdoors on heavy chains.
dogs that have multiple scars and other wounds, especially around their faces and legs.
dogs exhibiting a neurotic, aggressive personality.
Tools of the dogfighting trade: treadmills, tires or cowhide hung from trees(used to strengthen the dogs’ jaws and encourage their tenacious grip).
unusually-high foot traffic around a residence at odd hours.
You can find more info. at bestfriends.org or http://network.bestfriends.org/animalworldusa/news/17979.html
Never ever judge a book by it's cover though. I've known lots of nice people who own nice pits and pit mixes, both black and white alike!
6/24/2009
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in reply to katcelata I agree with you 100%. I am caucasion and firmly believe that race has absolutely nothing to do with animal cruelty. About 3 months ago , not too far from here I recall 2 awful incidents ....one pitbull was set on fire and another was taken into the woods to be shot where he laid and suffered until he died and was found by a jogger. The bullets had not immediately killed him:(. Both those atrocities were committed by caucasions. I applaud you for speaking up, because we have to keep our eyes opened everywhere to protect those dogs [not just where there are a lot of blacks]I am assuming that since that Vic [footballplayer] was convicted last year,un informed people now make automatic assumptions:(
Sincerely,
Iraine
6/25/2009
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My kids work with the pit bulls that many have been rescued from "bad" parenting of the "humans" and they are giving them a second chance. Thankfully! We have many dogs that have come through our program, "The Pit Crew" that have been taught to fight or guard dogs or even been severally neglected. People see a pit bull and they think BAD DOG right away. I used to. Stereotyping is one of things we all do. It doesn't help anything. I would hope that rather than pointing fingers, calling names, accusing one another, we should be part of the solution rather than the problem. Do the research so you know what to look for to know what to report. AndiK had some good pointers. Find out about local programs you might get involved in to help the dogs out. Call your local animal shelters. That is where we spend our time to help out! Again, be part of the solution! Help out!
6/25/2009
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I live in a small community but I drive by this house and they have a golden retriever that they leave on a heavy chain and he is there all the time even when the temp. is below zero. They have another dog that lives in the house and I always see the kids playing with it. What should I do? I feel like approaching the owners and see if I can buy him or take him off their hands, but their yard is full of junk and the man that lives there doesn't look very friendly. What should I do...it breaks my heart to see that dog abused in such a manner.
7/6/2009
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My name on here is China's Dad but in reality my name is Shane and I come from a loving home and I have always had a dog for as long as I can remember...
My mother is a A.S.P.C.A officer and I have witnessed many things all of which I wish I hadn't, however I also have had the opportunity to learn how to properly train and raise a dog so that they aren't mean unless it is needed I have as you might know already a American Pitbull Terrier pure bred and she is my life and you would never know unless you took the time to get to know her how sweet she is I am tired of everyone giving the American Pitbull Terrier a bad name, people need to grow up and realize that it is all about how you raise a dog that dictates their actions, you know saying a pitbull is a vicious dog from the start is like saying that a child is a natural born killer when they are just born you know even before the parents have the time to raise the child same as any dog not just a pitbull they are innocent no baby or any dog is going to just go out and start hurting or biting anyone man come on people use your heads and grow up and come down to reality!!!
7/11/2009
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While I too think Basenjimama didn't quite post properly referring to the fact that more blacks are being seen and affiliating that with pit bull fighting, maybe of some of you do remember the defense that Michael Vick used and many of his friends stating that it as in his "black culture" to participate in pit bull fighting. Perhaps race should not have been entered into at all then or now as an excuse.
8/17/2009
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anybody caught fighting or abusing should be thrown in the ring w/ the dogs and have the same thing done to them that they are doing to the dogs that would be justice
10/14/2009
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| November 4, 2009 |
| Show Your Local Animal Shelter Some Love |
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( 2 ) Comments |
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| October 6, 2009 |
| 132ND ANNIVERSARY NEARS FOR AMERICAN HUMANE ASSOCIATION |
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( 0 ) Comments |
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| September 23, 2009 |
| Become a Superhero: Celebrate Adopt-A-Dog Month® This October |
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( 2 ) Comments |
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| September 17, 2009 |
| Orlando Area Pet Stores Take ‘Puppy Friendly’ Pledge |
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( 0 ) Comments |
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| September 17, 2009 |
| The Humane Society of the United States Launches National Campaign Exposing IHOP's Animal Cruelty |
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( 3 ) Comments |
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| August 17, 2009 |
| American Humane Association to Michael Vick: It’s Time to Prove Yourself Worthy and Humane |
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( 38 ) Comments |
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| July 29, 2009 |
| Pa. Dog Named Runner-Up in The Humane Society of the United States’ Second Annual Dogs of Valor Awards |
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( 3 ) Comments |
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| July 29, 2009 |
| Metropolitan Washington Area Pet Stores Take “Puppy Friendly” Pledge |
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( 1 ) Comments |
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| July 29, 2009 |
| Proposed Bill Would Ban Inhumane, Unsporting Aerial Gunning of Wolves |
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( 4 ) Comments |
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| June 16, 2009 |
| Dogs Rescued from Notorious Puppy Store |
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( 8 ) Comments |
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