Busted: Dog Fighting Ring in KS MO and TX

Photo: ASPCA

According to a press release from the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

At the request of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the United States Attorney’s Office, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), in conjunction with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Department, assisted in a multi-state, federal dog fighting raid in Missouri, Kansas and Texas this past weekend. The ASPCA managed the removal and transport of nearly 100 dogs involved in the investigation, and is overseeing forensic evidence collection, as well as the dogs’ veterinary care and sheltering.
A search warrant was executed on Saturday night in Kansas, after the FBI raided a location suspected of holding a contract dog fight in north Texas. The ASPCA and other agencies, including the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT), assisted in the seizure of the dogs. Two additional warrants were served on Sunday morning for the removal of the dogs in Missouri.
The dogs were transferred to a temporary shelter in an undisclosed location, where they will receive veterinary care from the ASPCA’s medical team, led by Dr. Sarah Kirk, medical director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. The HSNT will manage the transport of dogs seized from the Texas investigation.
Agencies assisting the ASPCA with the sheltering operation include: Wayside Waifs (Kansas City, Mo.); International Fund for Animal Welfare (Yarmouth Port, Mass.); Nebraska Humane Society (Omaha, Ne.); Humane Society of North Texas (Fort Worth, Texas); Dallas Animal Services (Dallas, Texas); Sumter Disaster Animal Response Team (Bushnell, Fla.); and Great Plains SPCA (Merriam, Kan.).

The ASPCA Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team, assisting under the direction of the FBI, is collecting forensic evidence to be submitted for prosecution. The CSI team brings state-of-the-art forensics tools and expertise to crime scenes in order to strengthen cases. The ASPCA will also collect DNA samples from the dogs and submit them to Canine CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), the nation’s first criminal dog-fighting DNA database, which will help law enforcement agencies identify relationships between dogs and enable investigators to establish connections between breeders, trainers and dog fighting operators.

The ASPCA was contacted for assistance by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in the criminal investigation, evidence collection, rescue and sheltering efforts of the case. The ASPCA has assisted local and federal authorities in previous dog fighting cases, including the largest dog fighting seizure in U.S. history in Missouri in 2009, and the following year established its Blood Sports unit to investigate dog fighting and cockfighting across the country.

Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additional illegal activities are often connected with dog fighting, such as drug and weapons violations. Earlier this year, the Animal Fighting Spectator Prohibition Act was reintroduced in the U.S. Congress, which would make it a federal offense to attend an organized animal fight and impose additional penalties for bringing a minor to a fight. For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to tackle animal fighting and to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please click here.

According to the Associated Press, two men were charged in the U.S. District Court for Kansas, with one count each of transporting animals for participation in an animal fighting venture in interstate commerce. 

The complaint accuses the men of holding weekly dogfights in northwest Missouri, training the dogs at a home residence in Kansas City, Kansas, where the dogs were put on treadmills with live chickens used as bait.  The complaint also says at least one dog was taken to Texas last weekend for fighting.

Dog Fighting Crackdown in Missouri

Dog rescued from a MO dog fighting operation 2009 (CBS News) 

According to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation (MAAL), at their request Missouri Senator John Lamping has introduced legislation to crackdown on dog fighting.

In Missouri one of the largest impediments to suppressing dog fighting is the problem of what to do with the fighting dogs seized during the investigations and raids of dog fights.  Currently, state prosecutors can seek a disposition hearing for animals that have been cruelly treated and subsequently seized by law enforcement officials.

A judge can order such animals to be surrendered to the appropriate animal control authority or an animal shelter. This ensures that the animals will not remain in the control of those who have abused or neglected them and expedites their adoption into good homes. Unfortunately, the law authorizing a disposition hearing does not apply to dogs abused in the vicious sport of dog fighting since our law against dog fighting is in a different section of the state's anti-cruelty codes.

In the absence of a disposition hearing, animal shelters and municipalities have to bear the cost of housing fighting dogs indefinitely until a defendant can be prosecuted in criminal court. The criminal process can drag on for months and even years. Municipalities and animal shelters can't afford to house seized fighting dogs on a long term basis. 

Defendants are aware of this and many seek continuances hoping the authorities will drop the charges against them in an effort to escape the mounting bills for housing and caring for such animals. Dogs utilized by dog fighters have to be housed individually and with special care and frequently require extensive veterinary care and long periods of rehabilitation. The animals can suffer additional stress from prolonged confinement.

The inability of shelters and local governments to house and care for fighting dogs for an indefinite period of time has prevented authorities from investigating dog fighting. Law enforcement officials know they have no place to house fighting dogs and are discouraged from following leads of dog fighting activity.

Senator Lamping's bill would extend disposition hearings to dog fighting victims and provide an expeditious disposition of these dogs so they can be rehabilitated and placed in loving homes.  If you live in Missouri, please contact your state senators and representatives and ask that they support SB 903.

Dog Book: Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love by Larry Levin

Awhile back I was fortunate to catch an episode of Oprah - the one when she had Oogy and his family on to talk about his life.  Now Larry Levin has written his story in Oogy:   The Dog Only a Family Could Love. This would make a great Christmas gift for any dog lover.

As a puppy, Oogy was used as bait for dog fighting dogs.  Though he survived mindboggling brutality, he has scar tissue coering the left side of his face and he is missing an ear.  He was barely alive when rescued during a dog fighting police raid.  In spite of his start in life, he maintains a gentle, forgiving nature and the inner beauty inherent in canines. 

Referring to emotionally scarred people, author Levin says:  If this dog can go through the hell hre did and emerge capable of giving and generating as much love as he does, so can they."

I'm reminded of the quotation:  To err is human;  to forgive is canine.  Oogy and his story can teach all of us much in the way we cope, heal, forgive, and, of course, love.

Puppy Mills in Missouri - Who Opposes Prop B the Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act

Who are the groups and individuals opposing Prop B? Some of the worst of the worst in the puppy mill industry, with a track record of being knee-deep in animal cruelty.

The leading opponent of the ballot measure is the Missouri Federation of Animal Owners (MoFed), a special interest lobbying corporation that benefits from Missouri's multi-million dollar puppy mill industry. The group has never met an animal welfare measure it liked. They not only oppose reasonable regulations on large-scale puppy mills, but in recent years have also:


Opposed legislation that would require people to have their pets vaccinated against deadly rabies by a licensed veterinarian.



Opposed a bill that would create a specialty license plate with proceeds going to spaying and neutering programs and emergency animal care. MoFed's president Karen Strange wrote that "this does nothing but further the animal rights movement" and "anytime the government gets involved it sends the wrong message to the public."


Opposed legislation that would crack down on cockfighting and bear baiting.


Opposed legislation designed to crack down on dog fighting, including provisions that would require a disposition hearing within 30 days of a dog fighting raid to decide what should happen to the dogs seized. With regards to charging a two-time spectator at a dogfight with a felony, MoFed's president, Karen Strange, told the St. Louis Beacon: "Our prison systems are full now. There are things we think are of much greater importance." MoFed's lobbyist and board member, Kim Krohn, said it was a "waste of tax dollars" to crack down on dog fighting
 
MoFed formed a political action committee (MoFed PAC) in December 2009 and its earliest contributors include some of Missouri's worst puppy mill operations. Many puppy mill operators associated with MoFed have been cited repeatedly for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide the most basic protections for up to hundreds of dogs in their care.
 
Information courtesy of Yes! on Prop B, a coalition of individuals, venterinarians, dog breeders and animal welfare organiations individuals and animal welfare organizations, including the Humane Society of Missouri, the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Best Friends Animal Society, Animal Rescue Foundation, and The Humane Society of the United States.

Tomorrow is National Pit Bull Awareness Day

National Pit Bull Awareness Day is a day to showcase the affectionate bully dog breeds.   Please be aware that "pitbull" is not a breed of dog. It is a term the public uses to describe a canine with certain traits resembling a American Pitbull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, or any other bully dog breed.

To anyone who shares their life with a "pit bull," the need for a national day of awareness for these misunderstood dogs is clear. Constant negative media attention and sensationalized hype that surrounds pit bulls has the breed in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The media and public have stereotyped and judged an entire group of dogs, as well as their owners, based on the actions of a few.

National Pit Bull Awareness Day was established as a day to educate and foster positive communications and experiences in the communities in which we and our dogs live. It is a day to focus on these incredible dogs and their devoted, responsible owners. A day to change perceptions and stereotypes.


Visit Bless the Bullies, founders of National Pit Bull Awareness Day for more information on scheduled events.
 
If you can not make it to an event please keep in mind it is National Pit Bull Awareness day and this beloved dog breed needs our help. Donate money, leashes or collars, food or treats, or just your time if at all possible to a rescue. When a city hall meeting has the bully topic up for discussion go to the meeting and make your voice for bully dogs heard. 

Pit Bull Awareness Day is October 23

This coming Saturday October 23 is Pit Bull Awareness Day.


If you live in the San Francisco bay area, You're invited to join Bad Rap in Berkeley for an Open House that includes up-close-and-personal howdies with K9 celebs Jonny Justice, Audie and Uba and their adopted families.  They plain to auction off autographed copies of The Lost Dogs by Jim Gorant.   Take someone who doesn't currently own a pit bull and they'll give you a free gift for the favor (your guest can have one too.)

Bad Rap Open House
Saturday, October 23
11:30 am to 1 pm
Bad Rap training grounds - Second Ave and Addison, Berkeley, CA
Bring your camera (but please leave your dog at home for this one.)

Saving the Vick Dogs: Jim Gorant's book The Lost Dogs

New Book:  The Lost Dogs is due out next month, September 2010.  Author Jim Gorant offers an insider's view into what went into saving 49 legendary dogs from Vick and then, the system that wanted them destroyed.

Promises to be a good read for all dog lovers.

Vick Pit Bull Jonny Justice on Cover of Parade Magazine this Sunday

If you've followed the Michael Vick case you don't miss this Sunday's newspaper.  Do you remember Jonny Justice?  Jonny was one of 51 pit bulls seized in April 2007 from Bad Newz Kennels, the Smithfield, Va., dogfighting ring run by Michael Vick.   According to BAD RAP, Jonny Justice's big baby browns will be staring out at you when you open your paper this coming Sunday. Parade Magazine is covering the dogs from the Michael Vick case with the latest updates and some heartwarming photos. Dog lovers will want to grab up a few copies of this historic issue as keepsakes.

City of St Louis Closes Animal Shelter Facility

The talking heads can say all they want about how the economy is just fine, but I don't think those of us out here in the real world would agree.  Especially not the animal lovers.  All of us at For Love of a Dog were shocked, though I guess we shouldn't have been, that the City of St Louis has closed one of its animal shelters.

According to the Humane Society of Missouri, in late May, the City of St. Louis made significant changes in the operation of their animal control and shelter services. Since June 1, they have ceased receiving stray and owner surrendered animals at their Gasconade St. facility. While the City is working with two other organizations to provide some animal sheltering services, their capacity is very limited and, according to City officials, will be limited for some time to come.



Annually, more than 6,000 animals from St. Louis City are taken in by the Humane Society of Missouri at a cost of more than $1 million and at no cost to St. Louis City taxpayers.

What seems to be a tradition of challenging summers at the Humane Society of Missouri continues in 2010. In recent past summers they have rescued and rehomed thousands of hurricane survivors; operated an emergency cooling center for hundreds of St. Louis area pets; rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of dogs from the ravages of substandard puppy mills; and lead the largest dog fighting raid, rescue, sheltering and adoption effort in U.S. history.



The summer of 2010 has been even more challenging for them and the animals.  In just the last two months since the City closed its shelter,   Their Macklind Avenue shelter has seen a 26% increase in the number of stray animals taken in from the City.  In that same time period, they have received more than 1,300 animals from the St. Louis City area. Every day they receive 20 to 50 animals just from St. Louis City.

In effect, the Humane Society of Missouri, along with the APA (Animal Protective Association), has become the de facto animal control shelter for St. Louis City. While this significant additional intake of animals severely strains their already limited resources, they are doing the best they can to help animals in need.

Dog Fighting Raid in Stone County MO

What a way to celebrate an anniversary.  A year ago marks the one year anniversary of the largest dog fighting raid and rescue in United States history.  To date 17 defendants in that case have pled guilty and been sentenced to do federal time.

This week, on July 8, 2010, the Humane Society of Missouri was involved in a dog fighting raid in Stone County, MO.  At the request of the Stone County Sheriff’s Department, the Humane Society of Missouri Animal Cruelty Task Force last night rescued seven adult pit bulls and eight puppies from the property of an alleged dog fighter near Kimberling City, MO in Stone County. Several of the dogs had old wounds and two adults had recent wounds – including one with a bloody eye. The dogs were found on a densely wooded hillside away from public view. Most of them were attached to heavy log chains and thick collars. The property was trash strewn and had dilapidated buildings with multiple abandoned trucks.
The Stone County Sheriff’s Department has been investigating this situation since last December and consulted with members of HSMO’s Animal Cruelty Task Force during the investigation. The Humane Society of Missouri was asked to assist with rescue of the dogs when the warrant was issued yesterday by the Stone County Sheriff. The owner of the pit bulls voluntary surrendered all of the rescued animals to the Humane Society of Missouri. The rescued dogs were taken to the Humane Society of Missouri’s Headquarters shelter in St. Louis City for triage and care. During the next several weeks, the dogs will receive thorough veterinary examinations and behavior evaluations with the goal of placing as many of them as possible with qualified rescue groups or in private homes.

Dog Fighting Legislation in Missouri

According to the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation two bills were introduced in the Missouri legislature regarding dog fighting - SB 632 and SB 664 - both failed. These bills were introduced to strengthen Missouri's dog fighting statute. Unfortunately, neither bill was ever given a hearing in the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee and they failed to advance this session.

Fortunately for the more than 400 tortured dogs that were rescued in the most recent federal raid, the U.S. District Court was permitted to make a timely decision about the fate of these dogs (adoption, foster care, rehabilitation, etc.). In contrast, as a result of the Missouri General Assembly’s failure to pass dog fighting reforms, our state law still requires the victim dogs to be held until all criminal proceedings are resolved. If charges are brought now in Missouri state court, the seized animals must often remain in isolation for many months and even years!

Dog fighting is the only such animal cruelty crime that is currently exempted from this procedure in Missouri. Bills filed by Sen. Jane Cunningham of Chesterfield (SB 632) and Sen. Scott Rupp of St. Charles (SB 664) would fix this problem by strengthening Missouri's dog fighting statute. Both bills would allow a judge to hold a disposition hearing within 30 days of seizure to determine what happens to the dogs that are seized (i.e., adoption, foster care, rehabilitation).

SB 632 and SB 664 would also have increased the penalty for repeat spectators at a dog fight, giving law enforcement an important tool for cracking down on this barbaric “sport”. Rep. LeVota's HB 1689 would have prohibited anyone from possessing dog fighting paraphernalia. This bill would also have enhanced the criminal penalties for all second or subsequent dog fighting offenses.

Animal Legislation in Missouri, An Update

Missouri Alliance for Animals Legislation - Update

So far the legislative agenda has been dominated by the Puppy Mill Initiative and working defensively to ward off potentially harmful legislation.

The main focus this session has been House Joint Resolution 86, which has passed the House and was voted out of the Senate Agriculture Committee last week with substitute language. The Alliance is concerned about the unintended consequences this constitutional amendment could have not only on the puppy mill initiative but also on the entire citizens' initiative process as provided for in our state constitution. They are working with Senators to make changes to make changes to this resolution.

House Bill 1747, sponsored by Rep. Jim Viebrock, has also passed the House. This bill attempts to get around federal restrictions on meat inspectors working in horse slaughtering plants and allows for horse slaughter in Missouri for the purpose of producing meat for human consumption. The legislation will now head to the Senate for their consideration. The Alliance is watching this bill especially closely because it has been amended with statutory language that targets the Puppy Mill Initiative.

They are awaiting hearings for their dog fighting bills, SB 664 (Sen. Scott Rupp) and SB 632 (Sen. Jane Cunningham), which were filed early and have been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Both bills increase the penalty from a misdemeanor to a felony for the second offense of being a spectator at a dog fight. They also require a hearing within 30 days to determine what happens to the animals that are seized. This would allow the dogs to be rehabilitated and adopted into good homes more quickly.

A hearing has been held on one of their large carnivore bills. House Bill 1288, sponsored by Rep. Mike Sutherland, would create a program of regulation within the Department of Agriculture for owners of large carnivores and would require liability insurance, caging restrictions, and other important standards. Rep. Sutherland's bill will most likely be included in the House's omnibus agriculture legislation. We are still awaiting a hearing on Senate Bill 832, sponsored by Sen. Tom Dempsey.

For more information visit the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation on the web.

Benefit for Bully Breeds in California

BULLYLICIOUS
Saturday, Feb 20 in Alameda, CA
A night of music, dogs, auction and burlesque.

What do hot girls, pit bulls, calendars and philanthropy have in common? Find out at "Bullylicious," a one-night event from 7 p.m. until midnight Saturday, February 20. The benefit for BAD RAP and Pinups for Pitbulls will be held at Autobody Fine Art Gallery in Alameda.Bullylicious will feature live music by 77 El Deora and Patty Schemel (drummer for Hole), with special guests and live burlesque featuring Little Darling, Bunny Pistol and Barbary Coast Burlesque. There will be a raffle, silent auction, scrumptious food, calendar signing booth and special appearances by Pinups for Pitbulls Calendar models Little Darling, Audiogirl and Ana Poe, as well as BAD RAP spokesdogs Jonny Justice, Muggy, Lola and Honky Tonk.

All proceeds will go to BAD RAP and Pinups for Pitbulls, organizations dedicated to improving the lives of American Pit Bull Terriers.BAD RAP, founded in 1999, has gained acclaim for its work in evaluating and rescuing the dogs seized from Michael Vick?s property, where a dog-fighting operation was shut down. BAD RAP'S goal is to secure the future of the American Pit Bull Terrier as a cherished family companion.

Pinups for Pitbulls produces an annual pinup-themed calendar to raise awareness about breed bans and breedspecific abuse, and to raise money for bully-breed rescue groups throughout the country.Event coordinators Donyale Hoye and Ana Poe encourage attendees to dress "like you want to party."

New Dog Fighting Legislation in Missouri

This legislative session in Missouri finds two new bills introduced regarding dog fighting which the Missouri Alliance for Animal Legislation supports.

Senators Scott Rupp and Jane Cunningham have filed dog fighting legislation, SB 664 and SB 632, respectively. Both bills were referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee but no hearings have been scheduled. These bills would require a disposition hearing within 30 days of impounded fighting dogs to determine what happens to the dogs that are seized. Currently, these dogs can endure many months or even years of impoundment pending the court matter. Additionally, the bills would increase the penalty from a misdemeanor to a felony for the second offense of being a spectator at a dog fight.

Woofs of support from For Love of a Dog Jewelry

Harley Davidson Bike Fundraiser for BADRAP Pit Bulls

You don't even have to be good for Santa to bring you this Harley Davidson SuckerPunch Sally Swinger motocycle. All you have to do is bid! And the best part is that your money will be going to help Pit Bulls!

This sweet ride is up for auction and every penny that's raised from the sale is going to be poured right into the BADRAP Barn Project so they can help homeless pit bulls in 2010 and beyond. BADRAP is a non-profit organization that works to help homeless and victimized pit bulls and pit bull mixes. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this bike will be going to help BADRAP build a halfway house for pit bulls. You probably have read about their work with the Vick dogs.

Bravo to the pit bull loving anonymous donor who decided to let go of his precious Sally so that some good dogs could get a second chance. The auction ends on Monday, December 14th. I just checked and right now the reserve had not been met. If the bike doesn't sell this time around, they'll try another auction, so spread the world.

The Sucker Punch Sally Swinger is a modern suspension bike done in the tradition of a mid 1950's Harley Davidson FL; low stance, big fat fenders, spoked wheels and custom pinstriping. The Swinger is powered by an 88 cubic inch RevTech V-Twin with a 2-into-1 exhaust for easy cruising, channeling power through a 3 inch belt driven primary and a Baker 6 speed transmission. The Swinger features Harley Davidson controls and a 4.2 gallon split tank for long highway rides. The bike currently has 905 plus miles on it. The only minor defect is a little discoloration of the exhaust pipe. Other than that, it is flawless. There are lots of photos and more information in the eBay auction description.

Help pit bulls and bid on this amazing bike now!

Woof! Tucker at For Love of a Dog

Multi State Dog Fighting Ring Sentencing News

An update from the Humane Society of Missouri:

As you'll remember, on July 8, 2009 a multi-state federal dog fighting raid resulted in the rescue of more than 500 fighting dogs. Federal agents made 26 arrests and dogs were rescued in 8 states. This rescue operation was the largest dog fighting raid in U.S. history. The Humane Society of Missouri participated in the 18-month investigation and led the subsequent rescue and shelter operations, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Marshals Service and the United States Attorneys in the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri and the Southern Illinois District.

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009, noting the torture inflicted by people who train dogs to maim other dogs because that’s where the money is today, the Honorable Carol E. Jackson, United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Missouri, sentenced four of the defendants in the largest dog fighting case in U.S. history to terms in federal prison ranging from 12 months and one day to 18 months. Judge Jackson stated the crimes these defendants committed rose to the level of “extraordinary cruelty” warranting sentences which would be a “deterrence to the defendants and the community.”

Although these sentences significantly exceed current federal sentencing guidelines and we applaud Judge Jackson for imposing them. The Humane Society of Missouri believes federal and state dog fighting penalties and sentences should be strengthened to reflect the very serious nature of this heinous crime. In the coming weeks and months, they will be working to help convince those responsible to increase the penalties for dog fighting, both on the state and federal levels.

At For Love of a Dog we're contacting our state and federal elected officials to demand stronger penalties for dog fighting and animal cruelty. Please consider doing the same.

Woof! Tucker

Pits Bulls, Dog Fighting, Time Magazine

What do Pit Bulls, dog fighting and Time magazine have in common? Well, pick up the most recent issue of Time Magazine and find out. You'll see a former fighter who's become a model for Time magazine.

According to the Humane Society of Missouri, Fay is a five year old Pit Bull and is an appropriate "face" for what some call the sport of dog fighting. Fay has no upper or lower lips, probably mangled from numerous fights and eventually sliced off by her owner. The side and top of her nose are missing, also the result of dog fights. Her head, legs, shoulders and face have many dog bite scars. When not forced to fight, she lived hidden, deep in the woods at the end of a 10 foot, 30 pound log chain, with rancid rain water to drink and a dilapidated doghuse for shelter.

Fay and 25 of the more than 500 Pit Bull Terriers rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri in the largest dog fighting raid and rescue in US history are featured in the current issue of Time magazine. Their story is one of spirit overcoming horrible abuse with the help of many people including staff and volunteers of the Humane Society of Missouri.

There are thousands more dog fighting victims who desperately need to be rescued from lives of pain, torture and deprivation. Visit the Humane Society of Missouri for ways you can help.

Woof!

Tucker, a lover not a fighter at For Love of a Dog Jewelry

BAD RAP Anniversary Celebration

BAD RAP's 10 Year Anniversary - History is Made Celebration

Photo Exhibit and Band Concert

December 5, 2009

6 - 10 pm at the Takara Saki Factory in Berkeley, CA.

BAD RAP has invited several renowned photographers to show their work in a ONE NIGHT ONLY exhibit that captures some of the best media moments in pit bull history.

OWN A PIECE OF HISTORY! As part of their ten year retrospective, photos of BADRAP dogs and their caretakers captured by some of the country's most talented photographers will be on display for one night only. These images have been widely published in newspapers and magazines as the world is introduced to a more compassionate view of pit bulls. Many will be available for sale at the event, in time for your holiday giving. Contributing artists:
Carol Guzy's Washington Post series, Shelter for the Scarred,
AP photog Eric Risberg's collection of Vick dog photos,
AP photog Jeff Chiu's Missouri bust dog series

and many others.

Many of the framed photos will be available for sale at affordable prices, ready to take home with you at the end of the night. Bring your gift giving allowance!

Meet some of BADRAP's dogs and score a dog-signed copy of 'the' Sports Illustrated. Good company, great art, complimentary sake tasting. AND at 8:30pm, the woman who is owned by the one and only Jonny Justice takes the stage with her upright bass to belt out tunes with SF darlings, Thee Merry Widows.

This is a Dress Your Best event. No dogs please, but supervised kids are welcome.

BADRAP is a small and busy non-profit organization of pit bull owners, trainers, educators, rescuers, and supporters. BAD RAP evolved out of a desire to respond to the difficult issues facing this misunderstood breed. Visit their website for more information about this event, as well as their ongoing programs. Be sure to take a look at the Michael Vick dogs who are now ready for adoption.

Though we can't travel to California to attend, all of us at For Love of a Dog Jewelry will be celebrating with BADRAP in spirit. What a howling good job they do!

Urgent Appeal from Humane Society of Missouri

The Humane Society of Missouri has issued an urgent appeal for supplies to help care for rescued puppies.

They are in need of donated pet supplies to continue to care for the more than 150 Pit Bull puppies rescued this summer in the largest dog fighting raid and rescue in U.S. history. Fifty puppies were among the 407 dogs rescued on July 8 and more than 100 puppies have been born since then.

Donations of rope toys, heavy rubber rings, Kong® toys, peanut butter and other toys to keep the puppies active are urgently needed.

Monetary donations to help the animals may also be made by calling 314-951-1542.or visit the Humane Society of Missouri on the web to make a donation. If you live in the St Louis area, donations may be dropped off anytime at:Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters Adoption Center 1201 Macklind Avenue St. Louis, MO

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.