Multi-agency investigation brings down largest-ever dog fighting ring in the US
A year-long investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrests of approximately 30 people across five states in what officials are calling the largest dog fighting operation ever seen in the US.
A year-long investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrests of approximately 30 people across five states in what officials are calling the largest dog fighting operation ever seen in the US.
In addition to the arrests, about 350 dogs mostly pit bull terriers were seized during early-morning raids in Missouri, Texas, Illinois, Iowa and Oklahoma and will be cared for by local humane societies. Those arrested for their involvement face charges that carry maximum sentences of five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.
Forcing a dog to fight to its death is not a sport, said John Gillies, special agent in charge of the FBIs St Louis office.
The FBI played a significant role in the multi-agency investigation that, in the Eastern District of Missouri, resulted in the arrests of five men and the seizure of more than 150 dogs at a variety of dog fighting locations.
There is nothing respectable about encouraging two animals to torture and dismember each other, said Mr Gillies.
The US Department of Agricultures Office of Inspector General headed the investigation and our office was involved from start to finish. One of our agents there called it a criminal enterprise. It involved illegal drugs given to the dogs and also money laundering from wagering that took place at the dog fights.
According to the indictments, the defendants acquired, bred and trained pit bull terriers for the purpose of fighting. The defendants denied the dogs adequate medical treatment as a result of injuries suffered during the fights and they routinely destroyed dogs sometimes by electrocution that became severely injured after fighting.
In Kansas City, Missouri, the defendants allegedly constructed fighting pits for the dog fights and acted as timekeepers and referees, placing wagers on the outcomes. The fights were often so violent and bloody that some of the defendants were designated as sponge men providing sponges to the handlers to wipe blood from their dogs or to cool them down during the fight.
According to the indictment, after a set of fights last April, one of the defendants used a .22-caliber rifle to shoot and kill two dogs which fought but didnt perform up to his expectations. The dogs were shot in the head twice, then placed in plastic containers outside the garage where the fights had taken place.
A 2007 federal law championed by animal welfare organisations, means dog fighting is banned throughout the country and is a felony in all 50 states.
A spokesman for the FBI in St Louis said: Dog fighting is an illegal and despicable practice. We are very pleased with the outcome of the investigation and the way our law enforcement partners worked together.
In the UK, figures show an increasing trend of dogs being used as weapons and the RSPCA said this is now the cause of two-thirds of all dog-fighting reports it receives.
Last year, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) seized 719 dogs from Londons streets under the Dangerous Dogs Act as it targeted and arrested people using dogs in crime.
The MPS has also launched a new Status Dogs Unit to work closely with the RSPCA, councils and other agencies to tackle the problem.