Largest Dog Fighting Raid and Rescue in U.S. History

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St. Louis, MO, September 14, 2009 -- The Humane Society of Missouri today confirms guilty pleas have been entered in connection to the July 8, 2009 multi-state federal dog fighting raid that resulted in the rescue of more than 500 fighting dogs. Federal agents made 26 arrests and dogs were rescued in 8 states.

This rescue operation is the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history. The Humane Society of Missouri participated in the 18-month investigation and led the subsequent rescue and shelter operations, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Marshals Service and the United States Attorney.

Four eastern Missouri men, Robert Hackman of Foley, Teddy Kiriakidis of Leasburg, Ronald Creech of Leslie and Michael Morgan of Hannibal pled guilty today in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to charges connected to the dog fighting raid. Another man arrested in connection with the dog fighting raid, Jack Ruppel of Eldon pled guilty to charges on September 4 in federal court in Jefferson City.

“We can confirm that five of the individuals charged with this gruesome form of animal abuse are being brought to justice,” said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. “Today’s guilty pleas raise awareness that dog fighting is unacceptable, inhumane and illegal and will not be tolerated. The unprecedented scale of this investigation and rescue operation should alert the entire nation to what a horrible crime dog fighting is and what a dangerous and serious affect it can have on animals and communities.”

http://member.hsmo.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Federal_dog_fighting_case_press_release_9_14




FAY is a torture victim, the torture of the blood sport of dog fighting. When rescued, her face, neck, shoulders and legs were covered with scars. Horrifically, she had no lips; presumed to be ripped off in a fight. Though she looks menacing, all she really wants is someone to pet and hug her. And that’s the tragedy of dog fighting -- dogs horribly wounded and scarred physically…and mentally. FAY is very friendly with people, but sadly, she’s very aggressive toward dogs - the heartbreaking result of the twisted breeding and training to which she’s been subjected.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

This has got to be one of the most sickening stories I have yet to read. While I do not live in Missouri, I have contributed $$$ to them in the past and will continue to do so as they DO GOOD WORK like rounding up these criminals!

HELP IF YOU CAN!

Thank you!

CountAllVotes

:dem: