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Nearly 70 Fighting Pit Bulls Seized in Bust
Nearly 70 Fighting Pit Bulls Seized in Bust
The Humane Society assists the Oklahoma State Police in
busting a pit bull fighting ring.
July 9, 2004
TULSA, Okla. - Today, Oklahoma State Police and other agencies
executed three warrants at properties near Lake Eufaula in
Oklahoma and seized nearly 70 pit bull dogs thought to belong
to Le Shon Johnson and several other individuals. The Humane
Society of the United States (HSUS) is covering initial costs
to transport the dogs to Tulsa Animal Control. Also found
were allegedly false insurance papers and records of the dogs’
blood lines.
Jay Sabatucci, regional coordinator of The HSUS’ Southwest
Regional Office said from the scene “Many of these dogs were
in very bad shape. Besides obvious injuries they received
while fighting, many also appeared to be malnourished.”
In a dogfighting match, two dogs specifically bred, conditioned,
and trained to fight are placed in an enclosed area to fight
each other, for the spectators' gambling and entertainment.
Dogfights end when one of the dogs is no longer willing or
able to continue. The injuries inflicted and sustained by
dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe, and
dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock,
dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after
the fight.
A coalition of agencies were present at today’s seizure,
including the Oklahoma State Police, a local Drug Task Force,
the Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, U.S. Marshals,
Tribal police, and sheriff’s deputies from several counties.
Dogfighting is illegal is all 50 states. In Oklahoma, dogfighting
is a felony, as is being in possession of dogs used for fighting.
The Humane Society of the United States is accepting donations
to offset the costs of transporting, housing and caring for
these the dogs and helping to stop animal fighting. For more
information, contact The HSUS Southwest Regional Office at
972-488-2964 or swro@hsus.org.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest
animal protection organization with more than eight million
members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for
animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine
protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research
and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects
all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation,
education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization,
which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based
in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country.
On the web at www.hsus.org.
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