Dogfighting Bust: 350+ Dogs Seized and in Need of Help, 26 People Arrested

by Stephanie Ernst · 2009-07-09 08:57:00 UTC
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One of the big stories today is news that across multiple states, including my two home states of Illinois and Missouri, multiple dogfighting rings have been busted at once, with 26 people charged and at least 350 dogs seized (some reports this morning are now saying 400-plus dogs).

This is definitely significant news. But if you see anyone claiming that the dogs have been "saved," please remind them that although it is a relief that these operations have been shut down and that the dogs are being removed from their hellish, horrifying circumstances, we don't yet know if they're saved. Ending dogs' torture and misery in a dogfighting operation is the first step; saving them is the next--and most of these dogs never make it to that second step. Instead, their second step takes them into a gas chamber or a meeting with a lethal injection. Evaluations and then, ultimately, judges will decide these dogs' fate. We just don't know yet how many will live and how many will die in this group of hundreds.

But right now, the dogs are very much alive and in need of significant care. The Humane Society of Missouri--no stranger to rescues (puppy mills and animal abuse and neglect are a constant problem in Missouri)--is providing that care for 300-plus of the seized pit bulls, and they could use help.

Beyond monetary donations, if you're in the St. Louis area:

Supplies needed: large box fans, sheets, full-size towels, blankets, shredded paper, newspaper, creamy peanut butter and sturdy toys. Donations can be dropped off at the Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters at 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Related articles:

Photo above by Emily Rasinski for St. Louis Post-Dispatch/STLToday.com

Stephanie Ernst wrote the original Animal Rights blog at Change.org until December 2009. She can now be found at Animal Rights & AntiOppression.
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