Nearly 3 Dozen Dogs Saved During Raids on Northwest Louisiana Dog Fighting Operation [VIDEO]
I can't write about the recent raids on northwest Louisiana dog fighting operations without tears in my eyes.
KSLA reports that nearly three dozen dogs were rescued during three raids across our area. The dogs are recovering at area veterinary clinics but unfortunately two have died from neglect. Three arrests have been made in connection with the raids and law enforcement warn of more arrests and raids to come.
It's hard for me to believe that this kind of cruelty exists in our world, but perhaps I'm naive. The ASPCA says that the main reason dog fighting exists is because of money. The organization says it's not unusual for $20,000 - $30,000 to change hands during a single fight.
Dog fighting is a criminal offense in all 50 states. Despite that, it appears the industry continues to flourish underground. A report from OCFL.net says that in 2007 around 250,000 dogs were 'fought' nationwide. That doesn't include animals used as bait or cockfighting. They also report that around 40,000 people were involved in organized dog fighting and there were an additional 10,000 people who took part in the blood sport as 'street fighters.'
I personally can't wait to go home and hug my four dogs. Yes, four, and they're all inside dogs... and they're family. One was a gift, two were strays and one we adopted from a shelter. I hope and pray that the dogs seized from these raids are able to be rehabilitated and rehomed. I'll keep an eye out and will post any that are available for adoption via Bristol's Babies.
[KSLA]