 Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force rescues 15 dogs in dog fighting raid in Stone County
Dogs found with multiple injuries and in deplorable conditions
Stone County Sheriff’s Department conducts 7-month investigation
Rescue occurs at 1-year anniversary of
largest dog fighting raid and rescue in U.S. history
July 8, 2010-At the request of the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, the
Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force last night rescued seven
adult pit bulls and eight puppies from the property of an alleged dog fighter
near Kimberling City, MO in Stone County. Several of the dogs had old wounds and two adults
had recent wounds – including one with a bloody eye. The dogs were found on a densely wooded
hillside away from public view. Most of
them were attached to heavy log chains and thick collars. The property was trash strewn and had
dilapidated buildings with multiple abandoned trucks.
The
Stone County Sheriff’s Department has been investigating this situation since
last December and consulted with members of HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force
during the investigation. The Humane
Society of Missouri was asked to assist with rescue of the dogs when the
warrant was issued yesterday by the Stone County Sheriff.
 “We are
committed to working with law enforcement to eliminate the brutal and illegal
dog fighting activities throughout Missouri,” said Debbie Hill, vice president
of Operations for the Humane Society of Missouri. “We sincerely appreciate the diligent efforts
of the Stone County Sheriff’s Department and Prosecutor in their pursuit of
this case.”
The
owner of the pit bulls voluntary surrendered all of the rescued animals to the
Humane Society of Missouri. The rescued dogs
will be taken to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Headquarters shelter in St.
Louis City for triage and care. During
the next several weeks, the dogs will receive thorough veterinary examinations
and behavior evaluations with the goal of placing as many of them as possible
with qualified rescue groups or in private homes.
This rescue occurred on the
one anniversary of the largest dog fighting raid and rescue in U.S. history in
which the Humane Society of Missouri played a leading role. To date, 17 defendants in the July 2009 case
have pled guilty and have been sentenced to time in federal prison.
Ways to Help:
Report Animal Abuse: 314-647-4400
Make a donation to the Animal Cruelty Fund: 314-951-1542
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