More Than 20 Dogs Rescued from Suspected West Virginia Dogfighting Operation (June 25, 2015)
An investigation into a suspected dogfighting operation in Jefferson County, West Virginia, led to the rescue of 21 dogs and the seizure of dogfighting paraphernalia. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at a residence in Kearneysville with assistance from Jefferson County Animal Control and The Humane Society of the United States. The dogs range in age from 10 months to early teens, and some have scars consistent with dogfighting. The authorities also found an area they suspected was used for staging fights and dogfighting paraphernalia.
“The suffering has come to an end for these dogs who have spent their lives tied to heavy chains or fighting for their lives,” said Janette Reever, deputy manager of animal fighting response for The HSUS (Humane Society of the United States). “Dogfighting is a serious crime that harms not only the dogs involved, but also the community at large. We are grateful to the Jefferson County authorities for being so proactive and dedicated in their efforts to root out this illegal bloodsport.”
"Dogfighting is illegal and cruel and will absolutely not be tolerated in Jefferson County,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Pete Dougherty. “We are thankful for the assistance and expertise of The Humane Society of the United States on this case, and happy to see these dogs receive the care and attention they needed.”
The HSUS assisted law enforcement in identifying and documenting evidence, as well as coordinating the rescue effort and removing the dogs from the property. The dogs will be held at a temporary shelter where they will receive needed veterinary care and enrichment. It is The HSUS’ policy that dogs seized from animal fighting operations be treated as individuals and evaluated for potential placement with HSUS Dogfighting Rescue Coalition placement partners.
Under West Virginia law, it is a felony to host a dogfighting venture, however it remains a misdemeanor to attend an animal fight. Stronger penalties are needed for those who fund this underground enterprise through entry fees and betting to fully crack down on all those involved.
Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states. The HSUS offers rewards of up to $5000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person involved in illegal animal fighting.
Emaciated Dog Found Covered In Matted Hair, Missing Part Of His Nose Gets Fresh Start The Huffington Post| By Kimberly Yam
Posted:07/10/2015 5:42 pm EDTUpdated:07/10/2015 5:59 pm EDT
This deserving pooch looks like a whole new pup thanks to a committed rescue group.
Kansas City Animal Control found Harry, a neglected chow chow, chained in a backyard late last month and brought him to KC Pet Project, an animal shelter in Missouri, ABC News reported. The dog, who had been outside without food or water, was in terrible shape.
"We found a shocking five pounds of heavy, hardened and matted hair more than six inches thick covering his emaciated body," the staff at the shelter wrote on their Facebook page. "Even more disturbing, most of his nose is missing, consistent with a sharp cut from an unknown object."
The group immediately got to work and gave the pooch a complete makeover, shaving off the large amounts of hair over the course of two hours. Workers also got Harry somemuch-needed medical attentionand of course, a little TLC. Since then, the recovering canine has been placed with a loving foster family.
"They’re spoiling him with love, which is exactly what he needs and deserves," Tori Fugate, manager of marketing and development for KC Pet Project,told ABC News.
It's unclear how Harry's nose came to be injured, but that's not the only medical issue the pup came with. The rescue group discovered that he had fly strikes on his ears and scarred corneas from his eyelashes growing into his eyes. The group suspects that the pup, who is also heartworm positive,is mostly blind, Fugate told ABC News.
Fugate told The Huffington Post in an email that the pooch will visit the organization's veterinarians next week for a heartworm consultation. The vets will also put the dog on a treatment plan after he gains more weight, and Fugate says that the shelter is looking into finding an eye specialist for Harry's vision problems.
The organization is currently accepting donations for Harry's medical costs through itsRoadrunner Fund, all of which will be matched by Petco, Fugate said.
Though there's a lot of work to be done, it's all for a pooch with a fun personality and incredible strength.
"We all fell hard for him while he was at the shelter,"Fugate told ABC News. "And we’re thrilled that he is now living comfortably in a home environment."
In regards to Harry's previous owner, complaints had been filed against the individual.