About a month ago, the police conducted a raid on what is assumed to be "the second largest dog fighting ring in The U.S.". During their raid, they seized 371 dogs from locations in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas. The conditions these dogs were found in were horrendous. Trapped outside in 90 degree heat with little shelter and no fresh water (sometimes even no water at all), most of these dogs were tied up in heavy chains and were either in-training or already trained to fight. When finally rescued, these dogs were sent to different branches of the ASPCA. Some of the dogs are lucky, only puppies, and can be rehabilitated much quicker for the chance of adoption. However, most are scared for life, both mentally and physically, and will take much longer to help. When describing the mental condition of these dogs, the article quotes a worker caring for them, saying: "Understand that these dogs have experienced nothing but life at the end of a chains. Even a water bowl is new for them ... they are afraid of everything."
Some people were indeed arrested and may face up to 15 years in prison. These people were betting anywhere between $1,500 to $200,00 on dog fights. Maybe saying this is extreme, It's probably just my emotional connection to animals that makes me want to say this, but these people deeply disgust me. Only psychopaths are so intentionally cruel to animals. I think the jail sentence should be extended much farther; Maybe Texas should even put that death penalty to good use. Either way, these people disgust me and I find that after reading this article, those dogs will hopefully be able to recover and find a good home.
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I completely agree with you. How anyone could look into the face of an animal and intentionally hurt them is beyond me. It makes me sad to know that the state of Texas was included in the bust. I hope all those dogs find loving homes soon.
ReplyDeleteI agree that dog fighting is a disgusting practice, but I suspect that the people who participate in it are more ignorant than cruel. They most likely do not believe that animals really "feel." They may also just be completely culturally desensitized to their own cruelty. This does not justify their horrible actions, but I do not think that they are incapable of empathy. Still, having several dogs, I am truly disturbed by this practice.
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