Dogs’ Lives At Stake After Dog Fighting Bust, PLEA for HELP
Source: KTVI.com, July 15, 2009
The Missouri Humane Society needs some expert help. The agency is making a nationwide plea that could save the lives of dogs rescued from the nation’s largest dog fighting ring.
“They deserve their second chance just like the rest of them,” says Debbie Hill, choking back tears. She is the Incident Commander for the Missouri Humane Society and she has logged many sleepless nights since coming into temporary custody of 407 dogs rescued during several raids in Missouri and Illinois last week. The number is growing. Hill says three dogs have delivered litters of puppies, and they know several more are pregnant.
She believes some of the dogs will be deemed safe enough to get a second chance. So the Humane Society is reaching out, nationwide, to specially trained rescue groups who are willing to take in even one dog and give it intense rehabilitation.
Hill says within the next week to ten days, behavioral evaluations will begin, where the dogs’ aggression will be tested. If experts determine the dogs can be safely rehabilitated, and a judge grants the Missouri Humane Society permanent custody, the agency will need the help of as many rescue groups as possible.
How many dogs will pass the test is very much an unknown.
“You know it’s too early to answer that question, we don’t know,” says Hill. “We’re constantly amazed with how much people can open their hearts, and w’ere always amazed at how much the animal can do on their side, when given a chance.”
“These animals are victims,” she says. “They are victims of violent crime.”
Rescue Groups that are interested in helping should call 314-802-5712. There will be strict requirements to qualify.
The Humane Society still needs donations, particularly sheets, sturdy toys, and old bowling balls. Hill says they stuff the holes with peanut butter, entertaining dogs for hours.
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