Humane Society of Missouri receives custody of dogs in Stoddard County dog fighting case
Blind pit bull found in Tennessee also in Humane Society custody
Puppies available for adoption; adults available to be placed with rescue groups
Evaluations conducted by specialists involved in assessment of Michael Vick dogs
 Thursday, February 7, 2008- The Humane Society of Missouri has received permanent custody of 22 of the pit bulls and one beagle seized by the Stoddard County Missouri Sheriff’s Department in association with a dog fighting investigation in October 2007. The Humane Society of Missouri was given custody of these animals after one of the defendants in the case voluntarily surrendered his ownership of the animals. The remaining five other adult pit bulls continue to be held and cared for by the Humane Society of Missouri pending resolution of this case.
An additional pit bull found in Tennessee and owned by another of the defendants in the Stoddard County case also has been surrendered to the Humane Society of Missouri. The dog is a blind, seven-year-old male with obvious fighting scars. Evidence seized in the Stoddard County case indicates this dog was probably in fight situations within the last year. “We are outraged that people would involve a blind, defenseless dog in these most cruel and brutal acts of animal abuse,” commented Kyle Held, lead investigator on this case for the Humane Society of Missouri.
Available for Adoption:
The puppies and beagle are now available for adoption to the public through a special adoption process. (See below.) The adult pit bulls are available for possible placement with qualified rescue groups. Adopters and rescue groups interested in these dogs should call 314-805-5712 as soon as possible.
Photographs of each of the dogs available for placement or adoption are available on request.
Contact information for the public
Pit Bull Puppy Adoption or Rescue Group – 314-802-5712
Donations – 314-951-1542 Report Animal Abuse – 314-647-4400
BACKGROUND:
Evaluation of the dogs
The dogs rescued from the Stoddard County dog fighting incident have been cared for by the veterinarians and shelter staff at the Humane Society of Missouri since their arrival last fall. Although all have recovered from their fight wounds, many will need socialization and behavior rehabilitation. Each has been individually and painstakingly evaluated by HSMO and external behavior experts. On-site evaluators included:
- Linda Campbell, Registered Veterinary Technician, Certified Pet Dog Trainer and director of Programs, Humane Society of Missouri
- Lorraine Martinez, Ph.D., training supervisor, Humane Society of Missouri
- Tim Racer, co-founder of BADRAP (Bay Area Dog Lovers Responsible About Pit Bulls) and Michael Vick dog evaluator.
The Humane Society also worked in consultation with Randall Lockwood, Ph.D., CAAB, senior vice president of Anticruelty Initiatives and Legislative Services for the ASPCA. Lockwood and Racer were among those appointed by the federal court to evaluate and recommend placement of the dogs involved with the Michael Vick dog fighting case.
Evaluators took each dog through a series of situations designed to determine their behavior, reactions and aggressiveness toward humans and other dogs. None of the dogs tested aggressive toward humans. At the recommendation of the evaluation team and due to extremely aggressive behavior toward other dogs, one two-year-old male was humanely euthanized.
 Tim Racer said of his involvement in the evaluations, “I was glad to be a part of the evaluation process for these dogs. It is indicative of a more progressive way of thinking about dogs from fight situations. These dogs are victims of animal cruelty and should be given the opportunity and dignity to be evaluated as individuals - like any other animal from a cruelty case. The evaluation process implemented in this case was very similar to the one used in the Vick case. I was impressed with the knowledge and skill of the Humane Society of Missouri staff and their dedication to the best interests of each of these dogs. Not many organizations would dedicate the time and resources it has taken to ensure the best outcome for these animals.”
Randall Lockwood reviewed the Humane Society’s evaluation of each dog. “I believe the Humane Society of Missouri is the first animal shelter in the country to use what we learned from the Michael Vick case and go to the lengths they have to care for, evaluate and possibly place dogs from a fighting situation. I compliment them on the thoroughness and professionalism of their process. Whatever the eventual outcome for each of these dogs, they have received the most consideration possible.”
Animal adoption and placement – puppies and adult dogs
Evaluation and placement of the dogs is being coordinated by Debbie Hill, Vice president of operations for the Humane Society of Missouri, and Cyndi Nason, adoption centers director for the Humane Society of Missouri.
“We are committed to giving these dogs who came from such horrible abuse the absolute best chance for a good life. It is a tragedy that because of their mistreatment by humans for financial gain and so-called sport, some may not ever be able to be placed in a home situation,” commented Hill.
Seven pit bull puppies and the adult beagle are now available for adoption to the public. One puppy is nine months old; five are 4 1/2 months old and one is eight weeks old. A special application process will be implemented to ensure appropriate homes for each of these animals.
Stoddard County Pit Bull Puppy and Beagle Adoption Process
Persons interested in adopting these one of these dogs should call 314-802-5712 to leave contact information and to receive an application. Potential adopters
- must live in an area and dwelling that allows this type of dog;
- fill out application and special questionnaire;
- be available for a personal interview.
Pit Bull rescue groups needed to work with adult dogs
The Humane Society of Missouri is working with pit bull rescue groups in Missouri to place the adult dogs, many of whom need additional socialization and obedience training, with persons experienced in the handling of this breed. The Humane Society of Missouri also is very interested in working with bona fide pit bull rescue groups in other parts of the United States to place as many of these dogs as possible. Interested rescue groups should contact the Humane Society of Missouri at 314-802-5712.
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Humane Society of Missouri seizes 26 dogs from Stoddard County dog fighting situation
 Sunday, October 21, 2007- Working in cooperation with the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department, early this morning the Humane Society of Missouri seized 25 pit bulls and one beagle from an organized dog fight outside Dexter, Missouri. Acting on a tip, the Stoddard County Sheriff’s Department issued a warrant to search for and seize materials and animals related to dog fighting. The Humane Society team consisted of six experienced animal abuse investigators.
Many of the dogs appeared to have new and old wounds as a result of fighting. Dog training and fighting paraphernalia also were found on the scene.
The dogs will be taken to the Humane Society’s Headquarters in St. Louis City where they will receive veterinary evaluation and care from Humane Society staff. The dogs will remain in the custody of the Humane Society of Missouri as long as law enforcement and court officials deem necessary.
“We are very pleased that the Stoddard County Sheriff’s department pursued this case so diligently,” said Tim Rickey, director of Rescues & Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri. “Dog fighting is a felony in Missouri. The animals in these situations suffer horribly. Unfortunately, this very cruel and illegal activity, which has received so much national attention, is happening in our own state. It is only with the cooperation of law enforcement, animal welfare agencies like the Humane Society of Missouri and private citizens that we can begin to eliminate it.”
For questions concerning this rescue, please call (314) 802-5712.
Rescue Diaries
Animals rescued from flooded shelter in Chillicothe, MO- May 2007
Horses from tractor-trailer accident on Hwy. 44 - September 2006
Charlotte, the Abused Chihuahua - July 2006
Pemiscot County - April 2006
Dunklin County (137 dogs) - March 2006
Hurricane Katrina - Rescue team returns to New Orleans - November 2005
Sabrina (dog shooting) - October-November, 2005
Hurricane Rita - September-October, 2005
Hurricane Katrina - August-September, 2005
Valentine (cat shot with arrow) - March 2005
Greene County Horse Rescue, including Missouri's Supreme Court Decision - January-July 2005
Douglas County (substandard puppy mill) - December 2004
Franklin County (260 dogs and cats) - August 2004
Phelps
County Horses - April 2004
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