A mother dog still nursing her six puppies is currently recovering after being rescued by our team from a major suspected dogfighting operation. When our team members found the dog, who we’ve since named Joan Jett, she was stuck in a cold, bare kennel, standing protectively over her puppies while they nursed. Our colleagues, whose assistance was requested by law enforcement officials on scene, immediately took note of how skeletal she looked standing there with each vertebra protruding along her back.
Dogs used in professional dogfighting operations are specifically bred and conditioned for fighting, which creates a lifecycle of abuse, so we can imagine that these puppies were bound for an unthinkable future. Thankfully, that cruel cycle has stopped for this family, and these puppies will never have to experience the brutality of dogfighting.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS
Joan Jett and her puppies are just seven of the rescued dogs currently in our care after our Animal Rescue Team helped law enforcement with their rescue from an alleged dogfighting operation.
Even though these dogs have likely known so little comfort and kindness, many eagerly greeted responders with wagging tails and kisses. Dogs and puppies were found living in barren pens and cages throughout multiple buildings, while others were shivering in the cold rain in outdoor pens or on heavy chains. Some dogs were observed with significant scarring, as well as untreated wounds and missing pieces of their ears and lips. One dog was missing a leg, and his remaining front paw was mangled.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS
We are often limited in the details we can share about animals rescued as part of law enforcement investigations. But we can assure you that the dogs, who were in desperate need of care, are finally getting the treatment they deserve.
The dogs arrived at a temporary shelter in a safe, undisclosed location and are receiving treatment. Veterinarians have determined several dogs have fractures that have not healed appropriately; this indicates broken bones that have gone untreated and so healed out of place. These dogs may require amputations and are on medication to help with pain and inflammation in the meantime.
Dogfighting causes severe and often fatal injuries and horrific suffering. Typical injuries include severe bruising, deep puncture wounds and broken bones. Dogs forced to fight in these events often die of dehydration, infection, blood loss, exhaustion or shock hours or even days after the fight.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS
When it comes to dogfighting, we have also seen how cruelty begets cruelty: across the country, these spectacles of suffering have often co-occurred with other crimes related to weapons, assault, gambling and illegal drugs.
The marks of suffering on these dogs are heart-wrenching, and it is difficult to imagine what they have endured. But their suffering stops now.
At the temporary shelter, responders and volunteers are providing much-needed care and treatment—as well as enrichment in the form of consistent and kindhearted attention and a plentiful supply of toys.
Meredith Lee/The HSUS
It is our honor to be of service to Joan Jett, her puppies and all the dogs saved from this suspected dogfighting operation on their road to recovery. We’ll be with them for as long as it takes.
Follow Kitty Block @HSUSKittyBlock.
