Dog Fighting Ring Busted - Authorities in Baltimore have announced the indictment of 22 members of a dog-fighting ring which has been under investigation since their arrest in April 2013.
On Monday, the Office of the State Attorney for Baltimore City made the announcement of the indictment and other details relating to the case, which saw about 20 homes raided and members of the ring apprehended following the siege in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.
Reports indicate that more 225 dogs, mostly pitbulls, were rescued when the Baltimore dog fighting ring was busted. Officials also retrieved about 20 guns, heavy chains, steroids, conditioning harnesses as well as topical and inject able medications.
About 50 puppies were also rescued.
"It's a cruel world," Baltimore police Lt. Col. Sean Miller said. "The connectivity to violent crime and violence is apparent."
"We have bite sticks, weapons, forced treadmill activity to make dogs stronger for fighting. It is just ridiculous behavior, especially in 2014. We still have human beings that feel dogs are bred to do this kind of thing. It's just ridiculous," Miller said.
"In this unforgiving underworld, a dog who loses a fight is routinely executed, most commonly by hanging, electrocution, drowning or shooting," Assistant State's Attorney Thiru Vignarajah said.
Reports indicates that the 22 members of the dog-fighting ring busted are facing several felony charges including, aggravated cruelty related to dog-fighting, dog-fighting conspiracy, and animal abuse neglect.
Reports also indicate that about 17 of the defendants have long criminal histories including convictions for violence, murder, and sex offences.
Authorities say the rescued animals would be examined and the state would take the necessary steps to rehabilitate them.
"Every effort is made to rehabilitate and place them for adoption. As a general rule, many dogs including puppies and young dogs do end up in loving families as a result of their effort," said Baltimore police spokesman Lt. Eric Kowalczyk.
