Dogs Being Stolen in Maine

At least 20 dogs have been reported missing in western Maine and calls continue to come in, while suspicions of a dogfighting ring grow.

Most of the dogs that are missing are pit bull types, but a Doberman pinscher, a chocolate Lab and a yellow Lab are also missing, according to the Sun Journal.

West Paris Animal Control Officer Ozzie Hart, who believes this is related to dogfighting, stated that people have reported seeing a dark truck and a minivan that may be working together. Eight of the missing dogs were taken in Woodstock, Sumner, West Paris and Hartford. The sounds of dogs barking and gunshots have also been reported near Old County Road in Woodstock.

One of the missing dogs, was a 2-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier who was taken from her yard where she was tied in West Paris. Her body was found a week later on a lawn in Hartford, wrapped in a tarp. According to Hart, who suspects she was used as a bait dog, her ears were torn and it appeared she was shot in the head.

Her owner, Kyle Kilgore, said, “She was basically one of the kids.” He doesn’t have the heart to tell his 3-year-old son, who wants to go looking for her every day, what happened to her.

“We’re all devastated,” said Sally Leighton, a board member at the Responsible Pet Care shelter, reports WGME 13. “We can’t imagine anybody doing that to an animal. We’re upset because it’s a continued problem and it seems to be getting worse.”

In addition to dogs being taken from homes, others have reported dogs being taken from cars.

Currently, dogfighting in Maine is a Class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine for each offense. Anyone with information is being advised to report it at 207-357-2818. The Humane Society of the United States also offers a $5000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting.

TAKE ACTION

Sign the petition supporting the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act of 2011, H.R. 2492, which was recently introduced by U.S. Reps. Tom Marino, R-Pa. and Betty Sutton, D-Ohio with bipartisan support. This bill will amend current laws related to animal fighting and make knowingly attending an animal fight punishable by fines up to one year in prison, with fines and up to three years in prison for bringing a minor.

Pennsylvania Officials Bust Huge Dogfighting Ring, Rescue 32 Dogs

End Dogfighting Campaign Slated for Philadelphia

Photo credit: stephskardal via flickr

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Muriel S.

1:05PM PDT on Mar 25, 2012

Horrible. We used to have a cat; it was a cute animal. My husband could communicate with him in an incredible way. One morning the cat wanted to go out. It was 5 in the morning. Though we tried hard to find him, we never saw him again. I think he was kidnapped.

send a green star

David T.

4:40PM PDT on Oct 31, 2011

What sort of twisted mind enjoys seeing the pain and suffering of another animal, especially a puppy. These sick b*****ds who run these dog fighting rings need to be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. As a pet parent you should ALWAYS be aware of where your pet is and NEVER, NEVER leave them unattended outside, that isd an invitation to trouble, they can run off, or worse yet be stolen for some sick purpose, either for use in a dog fight or as a "research" animal! Please if you own a pet be responsible, they depend on you for their safety don't let some sick, twisted, demented jerk take them for his/her own demented puporses!

Wadsworth E.

11:55AM PDT on Oct 14, 2011

WHAT SICK TWISTED BASTARDS CAN ENJOY THE PAIN OF ANIMALS TEARING UP A LITTLE PUPPY, THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO PUT A STOP TO THIS. GOD IS WATCHING YOU, HE WILL PUNISH YOU BIG TIME, WHY DON'T YOU TAKE A LEAF
OUT OF MAHATMA GANDHI'S LIFE - HE SAYS YOU CAN JUDGE A PERSON BY THE
WAY THEY TREAT THEIR PETS - SO THE SICK BASTARDS THAT DO THIS - YOU NEED HELP - YOU NEED HELP - OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE BEYOND REDEMPTION. TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND AND HELP ANIMALS INSTEAD IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THIS WOLRD

Sharon B.

3:18PM PDT on Oct 5, 2011

I leave my dogs out unattended for 5 minutes at the most! I have a fenced in yard, but most of the time someone goes out with them and brings them right back in. It's pretty bad when people have to steal pets. As for the dog fighting - it HAS to stop. All this about "bait dogs" and/or kittens being used in their training is outrageous! Anyone who has a taste for that kind of torture is SICK in many ways! What is our world coming to? What kind of people would bet their money on a such a sick, demented and twisted sport? And why? I'm glad it is way beyond my comprehension. All I know is that they should be punished severely.

Margie B.

1:18AM PDT on Oct 2, 2011

People must be aware where their pets are at all times..
These horrible people are out there just waiting for the right opportunity to steal your pet.

There is a woman in Buffalo NY that is on a campaign to stop dog fights in our city, and she rescues the animals.
God bless her and her associates! - She also offers a reward for information to anyone that has information about dog fights.
Maybe if others would do same in their cities this action could help stop the problem.

Jane R.

6:40PM PDT on Sep 19, 2011

This is discusting! I hope they catch the thieves and lock them up forever!! Put them in a cage with a vicious animal and see how they like it!!

Elaine W.

11:32AM PDT on Sep 19, 2011

10% say yes to this. How can you ??

Ann S.

8:54PM PDT on Sep 18, 2011

Ugh, awful people in this world.

Robin B.

2:37AM PDT on Sep 18, 2011

Please sign this petition and stop the torturing and murdering of our precious dogs and cats ..yes the dog fighters steal cats and kittens too...this has to stop..the penalties have to increase..how would some of the lawmakers and judges feel if there dogs were stolen, tortured an murdered..it can happen to anyone...and so heartbreaking and devastating .....

Mark C.

11:32PM PDT on Sep 17, 2011

What an awful society we have when we can't leave our pets in our yards.

I hope whoever is stealing these dogs to end up killing them gets a hefty jail term.