What Will Happen to the Pit Bulls Rescued in Raid?

They’re calling it the largest dog fighting bust in U.S. history as law enforcement agencies from eight different states joined forces to raid multiple dog fighting operations on July 8, 2009. To date 30 people have been arrested and 400-plus dogs have been rescued.

Some of the people arrested in the raid were a bit shocking as they didn’t fit the stereotypical vision of an animal abuser. There is Karl Courtney a 34-year-old Little League coach, Cris Bottcher a 48-year-old registered nurse who is charged with shooting underperforming fighters and Rick Hihath a 55-year-old physical education teacher who is accused of promoting the dog fights.

These perpetrators and all of the others arrested are now in the hands of the U.S. Attorney and there is little anyone can do, but wait and watch to see what happens in court.

The focus now needs to be on the uncertain future of the rescued pit bull dogs and the decisions the Humane Society of Missouri, who is sheltering the dogs, will make on their behalf. Unfortunately, there is a good chance the only decision they will make is the humane death of these innocent victims.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is already making some disparaging comments on the future of the dogs even though the organization recently made a change in their national policy to protect and evaluate rescued pits on an individual basis. Their policy says they will evaluate the dogs and litters from pregnant females for aggressiveness, trauma and personality and make recommendations on the potential for adoption.

However Wayne Pacelle, the CEO of HSUS told the Associated Press, “If you have 15 or 20 dogs, it’s potentially manageable to evaluate and place those who pass the test. But when you’re talking about 450 dogs, it strains the capacity of the adoption network. Evaluation is just one part of it. The other question is do the new environments exist?”

Pacelle may be correct with that assumption. This rescue operation occurred during a time when animal shelters and rescue groups are inundated with unwanted cats and dogs due to the slowdown in the economy and home foreclosures. The U.S. is already euthanizing 3.7 million pets because there are not enough homes.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) also worked on the raid. Their animal behaviorist, Randall Lockwood who helped evaluate Michael Vick’s dogs after they were taken into custody in 2007 was equally pessimistic about the newly rescued pit bulls. He believes there are more “fighters” in this group and that could mean fewer dogs saved.

But even with all of this negativity, the rescued pit bulls have a lot going in their favor. First, the public has seen the successful rehabilitation of the dogs seized from Michael Vick. In this case 51 dogs were seized and 47 were saved. All of these dogs have been rehabilitated and placed in new homes or in sanctuaries. In addition, two of the pits have become therapy dogs.

The heartbreak of Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring has given animal welfare organizations a new way to think about pit bull dogs raised to fight. Twenty-two of the most traumatized pits went to live at the Best Friends sanctuary in Utah. Ledy VanKavage is a lawyer for the group and he urges the HSUS to consider, “Not all dogs involved in dog fighting are aggressive. Some are breeders, others, bait.” “It just shows you that dogs are individuals.”

Even during this first week of their rescue it’s been reported that many of the dogs have been seen happily wagging their tails. It’s going to take some time to sort out the future of these canines and it may take help from the public to keep them safe.

The one thing these dogs do not have is a benefactor to pay for their upkeep and rehabilitation. In Michael Vick’s case he was ordered by the court to pay nearly $1 million for his dog’s care.

To help out, Petsmart Charities has sent their “Relief Waggin” with $60,000 worth of supplies and manpower. They’ve delivered crates, carriers, bowls and leashes. They have also supplied the Humane Society of Missouri with fans, a generator, tents and staff to set up an emergency shelter.

The public can also help save these innocent dogs with donations or by contributing much needed supplies. The Humane Society of Missouri lists ways to help on their website.

With public support, the pit bull dogs from this raid can be saved or at least given an unbiased chance to have a new start at life. Hopefully they will be seen as victims of a crime and not as aggressive monsters.

To read more on the subject: Click Here

Humane Society of United States

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Jessica M.

7:40AM PDT on Aug 19, 2009

I better stop. Plz help them, they need us !!!! For all the Pitbull lovers

send a green star

7:29AM PDT on Aug 19, 2009

For all of you guys talking bad about Pitbulls, you should stop !! It dont matter what race the dog is; a dog is a dog. ANY dog can turn bad on anyone! Pitbulls have a bad rep bcz of people like you, and people who abuse them in any way. When I was in grade 3 I was attacked by a dog. He ripped my arm out, you could see my muscles and my bone. I had over 30 stitches. And guess what; it was NOT a Pitbull. You know what it was.. A dog that was abused real bad by his owner. Despite the scars on my arm, my love for dogs always stayed in me.I had many little dogs growing up. Now that I have my own house,I now have 2 wonderful Pitbulls : Harley and Diamond !! Now let me tell you, I could not ask for better. They're good dogs if you rase them with a lot of love and yes they need discipline, but the right way !! So for all the Pitbulls rescued; am shure they did not ask for that. It's a nasty thing. They can't speek for themself. They need our help. They deserve a second chance. But unfortunately, there's too much people who hate them, they're breed always had a bad rep, and will probly always be like this!! My point of view, IF YOU NEVER RAISED A PITBULL YOURSELF, YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO TALK BAD ABOUT THEM !!!! Bcz a dog will turn out what ever way YOU want it!! They deserve to have the freedom to live a happy life like any other breed of dogs. I could go on and on, but I bet

CR C.

2:52AM PDT on Aug 16, 2009

Caesar and your group come help them it would be great. The people did this I hope you pay big time.

2:50AM PDT on Aug 16, 2009

Help these poor dogs if you find they are not dangerous to the public when you evaluate them try and give them a chance haven't they paid enough.

Carolyn P.

8:23AM PDT on Jul 23, 2009

We need more Caesar Milan's - he'd be able to help these pit bulls. Sadly just recently an elderly lady here was walking her dogs on leads and had three of her Yorkshire terriers killed in front of her though she desperately tried to protect them, by a lose Staffy. It is irresponsible untrained or malevolent owners who put their and others' pets in danger and they should be banned from ever having animals. Maybe animal ownership should licensed and only allowed after passing a suitable test.

8:22AM PDT on Jul 23, 2009

Phil and Barbar b.

3:50PM PDT on Jul 22, 2009

My husband and I agree with Laura S., all people involved in any type of animal abuse, should be made to pay for the rehabilatation of every animal abused, no matter how long it takes till the animals are adoptable. These horrible people, need to pay, big time, so maybe one of these days, hopefully, there won't be anymore suffering, helpless animals. Let's pray to God, this day will come soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sylvia K.

3:10AM PDT on Jul 21, 2009

I have known several pit bulls through out my life and have found that some smaller dogs are more vicious then these gentle and misunderstood beasts.
The only dogs, not just pits, that I have know to be vicious have been treated viciously.

Rob S.

9:13PM PDT on Jul 20, 2009

If anyone is going to o put pitbulls or pit crosses into the bred to fight or vicious breed then one might also consider Dobermans ,Rotti,s,Shepherds as they have been in with the GUARD DOG category.Point proven,not all dogs are vicious or born that way.

9:05PM PDT on Jul 20, 2009

The breed has definitely gotten a bad rap over the years.One of my grandsons (when he was younger)whacked our Zena on the nose,full fist,and all she did was look at us then layed back down.So much for killer instinct.