Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Georgia Dog Fighting Raid

Have you seen the story on CNN about this Georgia dog raid? Called the Anatomy of a raid to rescue dogs allegedly bred to fight, it chronicles an October 15, 2009 search by authorities in rural Laurens County, Georgia on a property where nearly 100 dogs, malnourished, on chains and some scarred, were confiscated. Told from the point of view of the CNN reporter, there are photographs and video at CNN.

This all began from a anonymous tip to the Laurens County sheriff, Bill Harrell. Private investigators with Norred and Associates Inc. worked alongside Harrell and his deputies, leading tactical teams. The teams were made up of veteran investigators donating their time, effort and expertise, along with volunteers of the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society, who collected and are caring for the dogs. They found inhumane conditions, but no obvious evidence of dog fighting, though testing is still going on.

Greg Norred is the CEO and founder of the private investigation team that was part of this raid. According to this CNN article, Norred was motivated by the Michael Vick dog fighting tragedy to donate his firm's time and money to do what he can to rescue dogs. In the past two years, his team has participated in 16 raids that have resulted in 20 people behind bars and the rescue of nearly 300 dogs.

I believe everything happens for a reason, though, admittedly, sometimes I never understand that reason. In the case, no matter how horrendous Michael Vick's crimes, perhaps we have him to thank for increased public awareness of dog fighting and the extra volunteer energies to combat it. Though I simply cannot find it in my heart to forgive Vick, whatever it takes to stop the incomprehensible cruelty of dog fighting can't be anything but good.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Go ahead... bark at us!