Thursday, August 13, 2009

Nearly 100 Animals Seized In Dogfighting Raid

Authorities have seized nearly 100 dogs during raids at two southern Indiana sites suspected of breeding and training the animals for illegal fighting.

Indiana State Police said dog carcasses and dogfighting paraphernalia were also seized when the Indiana Gaming Commission and other agencies executed search warrants Tuesday in Orange County.

Adam Parascandola, of the Humane Society of the United States, said many of the dogs had scars and marks consistent with fighting.

Dogs were found attached by 6-foot chains to trees, with only barrels for shelter. They were drinking rain out of tires infested with mosquitoes.

"They're scattered through this 15 acres of woods, and you can tell that they don't get food or water routinely," said Larry Rollins, of the Indiana Gaming Commission. "They have these heavy, long chains that are wrapped directly around the dogs' necks, and they're digging in."..." More