On June 11th, the Houston Humane Society and Precinct 6's R.A.I.D.E.R. Animal Cruelty Investigation team was brought in by HPD to seize over 40 pit bull dogs in northwest Houston. Neighbors originally called the HPD about a pit bull terrorizing the neighborhood. Upon investigation, officers discovered the property full of dogs.

According to the Houston Humane Society, the dogs were staked on chains so heavy that two police vehicles had to be tied together to pull them out of the ground. A spring pole, used for strengthening the jaws of fighting dogs was discovered on the property. Many of the dogs on the property were covered in scars indicative of fighting and some were also branded with the owner's initial. Some of the dogs appeared malnourished and had signs of illness, in addition to their injuries.

The 37 dogs and 8 puppies were transported to the Houston Humane Society where they will remain until the court date. For more information go to:

http://www.houstonhumane.org/crueltycases.aspx

Dogs involved in fights often suffer severe, sometimes fatal, injuries. These fights may last for hours until one of the animals quits or dies. Losers that do not die may be tortured, starved to death, or killed outright by their owners. And, other animals, such as stolen pets, "free to a good home" animals, or strays are used as "bait" to train fighting dogs.

Dog fighting promotes crime such as cruelty to animals, violence against others, theft, drug use/possession/distribution, illegal weapons use/possession and gambling. Children who attend these fights are desensitized to violence against animals and people.

For more dog fighting facts go to:

http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/animal_fighting_the_final_round/dogfighting_fact_sheet

John Goodwin, deputy manager of Animal Fighting Issues for The Humane Society of the United States says that street fighting - an unorganized network of amateur dog fighters - is gaining popularity in urban areas. But, dog fighting doesn't only involve the local street fighter. On April 25, according to an article at ESPN.com, authorities raided a house in Surry County, Va., owned by Atlanta Falcons Quarterback Michael Vick and reportedly found -- among other things -- 66 dogs (most of which were pit bulls), a dog fighting pit, bloodstained carpet and equipment commonly associated with dogfighting. Vick was not at the scene and denied knowledge of dog fighting at the property and no charges have been filed against him. To read more go to:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2884063&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab2pos1

The Humane Society of the United States offers a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who organizes, participates in, promotes, or officiates at cockfights or dogfights.

There's no excuse for animal abuse. Report animal cruelty!