June 18, 2009
Michigan Dogfighting Raids
The HSUS assisted in raids on three suspected operations
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Hundreds of thousands of dogs suffer annually in dogfights. Chad Sisneros/The HSUS
On Wednesday, June 17, The Humane Society of the United States accompanied federal law enforcement agents and local authorities in raiding three suspected dogfighting properties in rural areas of eastern Michigan. Authorities seized nearly 50 dogs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General (OIG) led the coordinated raids.
While dogfighting is a felony in Michigan, it is also a federal felony to knowingly sell, buy, possess or train any dog for purposes of having the animal participate in a dogfight that involves interstate commerce.
The HSUS assisted with the investigation leading to Wednesday’s raids, and provided assistance on the scene with evidence collection and seizure. The Michigan Humane Society and Missouri Humane Society helped handling dogs on the scene.
"Dogfighting is a criminal underground industry that breeds horrible animal suffering and violence," said Chris Schindler, deputy manager of animal fighting law enforcement for The HSUS, one of several HSUS investigators who participated in the raids.
"We commend the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General for their diligence in pursuing this investigation. Step by step, this nationwide business enterprise built on misery is being dismantled."
Dogfighting Facts
What You Can Do
Learn the signs of dogfighting activity in your community, and how to fight back.
