A massive three-year investigation into a dog fighting ring led to the arrest of 10 people in four different states as well as the seizure of drugs, guns and $500,000 in cash. In smashing the operation authorities were able to rescue 367 pit bulls, many of whom were severely mistreated, according to ABC News.
"The dogs, ranging in age from just several days to 10-12 years, had been left to suffer in extreme heat with no visible fresh water or food," a statement from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said. "Many are emaciated with scars and wounds consistent with dog fighting, and some were tethered by chains and cables that were attached to cinder blocks and car tires."
The ten people were arrested and charged with violating the federal dog fighting statue. They were also charged with federal gambling violations based on the $5,000 to $200,000 that they were reportedly betting on each fight, according to ABC News.
"The number of dogs seized and the amount of money involved in this case shows how extensive this underworld of dog fighting is," U.S. Attorney George Beck said. "These dog fighters abuse, starve and kill their dogs for the supposed 'fun' of watching and gambling on a dog fight. Their behavior is deplorable, will not be tolerated, and will be punished to the full extent of the law."
Federal, state and local officials worked together to take down the dog fighting ring that spanned throughout the southeast. Three simultaneous raids in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi took place on Friday. Coffee County Sheriff David Sutton was horrified by the conditions he found the dogs in, according to the Washington Post.
"Those animals can't speak like you and I," Sutton said. "They bark and they whine. We chose to speak for them, and I believe we sent a message out....If you do the crime, we are going to come see you."
The hundreds of dogs seized are now being held in undisclosed locations by the ASPCA and the Humane Society where caretakers will take care of the malnourished dogs and hopefully be able to retrain them so that the groups can find loving homes for the dogs. The dogs won't be able to be placed up for adoption until after the case is closed, currently they are evidence, according to the Washington Post.
"They are finally getting a loving hand from responders who care for these dogs, but sadly there are many other dogs out there going through this type of abuse," ASPCA vice president Tim Rickey said.
In a news conference on Monday Beck suggested that committing a crime against innocent animals is about as low as a person can go.
"I believe if Dante were alive today and rewriting 'The Inferno' that the lowest places in Hell would be reserved for those who commit cruelty to our animals and to our children," Beck said.
