Over 100 Dogs Rescued From Dog Fighting Operation By The ASPCA & Law Enforcement In Florida
Karen Lapizco
Photos by: ASPCA
At the request of the St. Petersburg Police Department, the ASPCA has been providing crucial assistance to Pinellas County in their investigation of a suspected dogfighting operation that spanned across multiple locations in Florida. This operation has resulted in the seizure of over 100 dogs.
The ASPCA’s involvement includes offering expert support in the form of legal assistance and conducting vital veterinary and behavioral forensic exams on the dogs to help further the investigation. In addition, the organization is committed to providing ongoing shelter, medical care, and behavioral treatment at a specialized animal cruelty recovery facility once the dogs’ dispositions have been determined.
During their forensic veterinary examinations, ASPCA specialists uncovered that a significant number of the dogs displayed scarring consistent with organized dogfighting and were suffering from untreated medical conditions.
“The ASPCA is committed to working alongside law enforcement and other animal welfare agencies to bring dogfighting to an end by deploying our specialized subject matter experts to provide critical case support and consultation, as we are doing with this investigation,” said Matt Bershadker, President & CEO of the ASPCA. “We’re deeply grateful to all the agencies involved in this case for pursuing justice for these animals and continuing to make animal welfare a priority in Florida.”
Dogfighting is a barbaric and illegal activity that inflicts extreme suffering on innocent animals. Forced into brutal fights, dogs endure violence that often leads to serious injuries or death. These animals undergo harsh training methods, including starvation and physical abuse, resulting in both immediate and long-term health issues.
The impact of dogfighting extends beyond the animals involved. It contributes to broader community problems, including increased violence and criminal activity. The normalization of such cruelty can desensitize individuals to violence, affecting their empathy and behavior.
Engaging in dogfighting carries significant legal repercussions, including hefty fines and imprisonment. Ethically, it is universally condemned for its blatant disregard for both animal welfare and basic human decency. Combatting dogfighting involves legal intervention, rescue missions, and community education to combat such cruelty, prevent abuse, and aid in the rehabilitation of animals affected.
To date, the ASPCA has assisted nearly 6,000 victims of dogfighting from more than 300 cases. The organization has also trained more than 35,000 law enforcement officers and animal welfare professionals nationwide to better identify and respond to animal cruelty situations like dogfighting.
