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Advocates in England and Wales calling for five year jail terms for animal abusers

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Animal cruelty should carry a five year maximum jail sentence says Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, a rescue organization claiming current “animal cruelty sentences are a joke.” The current  six months in prison for the gravest acts of animal cruelty such as torturing an animal to death is utterly inadequate” and “laughable” if it wasn’t so shocking, advocates claim.

According to the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home comprehensive report on animal cruelty and punishments for convicted persons, the following results reflect:

  • England and Wales has the lowest sentence for animal cruelty in Europe – six months in prison plus a fine
  • Almost every state in the United States and every OECD nation in the survey punishes extreme animal cruelty more severely than England and Wales.
  • Northern Ireland has a maximum sentence for 5 years
  • 65% of people polled believe the maximum sentence should be increased
  • 6-months for animal cruelty compares badly with 5 years for fly tipping (illegal trash dumping) or 7 years for theft.

Claire Horton’s, Chief Executive for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, campaign has drawn the support of the RSPCA and the League Against Cruel Sports whose position is if a more serious punishment isn’t pushed through, animal abusers will continue abusing animals. According to the Telegraph, Parliament will discuss a Private Member’s Bill on Friday. The average prison term for someone convicted of animal cruelty in the United Kingdom is 3.3 months, with only one offender in ten ever jailed. More abusers commonly get away with probation, light fines or community service. In January, new guidelines were introduced to make stricter punishments for the most serious cases.

Five year prison terms would bring the United Kingdom on par with Northern Ireland and Ireland, as recommended in a November report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on animal welfare. In the United States, sentences can be similar, but again, how many times do judges uphold the stricter punishments? Bottom line – until animal cruelty is treated as a genuine threat to humans and animals, abusers still too often run free. What do you think?

(Photo for advocates want five year jail terms courtesy of Battersea Dogs & Cats)

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Scrappy: Bait dog ripped apart and dumped to die

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In Savannah, Georgia, the tragic story of a tortured dog continues to touch the hearts of animal advocates everywhere. Scrappy, as he has been dubbed, was covered in both old and new bite wounds. When discovered, he had been abandoned and left to die – had help not come in the nick of time, the dog surely would have welcomed death.Scrappy IPR

When Imagine Pet Rescue founder, Cindy McManus received the plaintive call for help last Friday, she was shocked at the dog’s condition. Scrappy had been the victim of dog fighting. The young dog didn’t want to fight, so his cruel owners used him as a “bait dog,” and Scrappy wasn’t ever allowed or able to fight back. Ripped apart, tortured, starved, infected with heart worms, and then he was abandoned.

“I sit here tonight and ask myself over and over ….. HOW is dog fighting EVER OK??? What part of us as human beings find this a ‘SPORT’ or ‘ENTERTAINMENT’?????? …. DON’T WORRY Scrappy… you will NEVER HAVE TO FIGHT AGAIN….. or be subject to the ‘human failures….’ YOU ARE SAFE now and we will HEAL your wounds…,” Cindy posted on the organization’s Facebook page asking for help to save Scrappy.Scrappy IPR3

And in a personal message to the sweet canine victim, and statements aimed directly at the cruel people who inflicted this egregious cruelty, Cindy added:

“I have so little words to cobble together to even express what you have been through sweet boy… used as a BAIT DOG…your injuries made me sob… you sweet boy did NOT deserve this… all because you refused to fight… you suffered the ultimate consequences… your ear almost ripped off… your entire head mangled all because someone chose to “profit” from your existence… I hope they suffer far worse than you have… but Yes Scrappy… you are safe now… and loved and WE will HEAL you

Scrappy is currently at the group’s emergency veterinary partner, Savannah Animal Care. His recovery needs will be extensive, and it is estimated he will need numerous sutures to close the wounds on his face and body. Despite the pain and torture Scrappy has endured,  he showers his rescuers with love and kisses. Scrappy has forgiven and holds no grudges.

To help, donations can be made by clicking here or via Paypal adopt@imaginepetrescue.org.

Wishing you a speedy recovery. (Photos of Scrappy courtesy of Imagine Pet Rescue)

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Bait dog hung upside down by her feet as other dogs attacked

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While Santa Claus came to town on Christmas Day and delivered treats and toys to so many beloved dogs, one seven-month-old “bait dog” puppy would unknowlingly celebrate her freedom; she had just been saved from a torturous existence. In River Vale, New Jersey, rescue organization Good Karma Dog Rescue, stepped up to save Hope.good-karma-dog-rescue-cover-2

At first, Hope was rushed immediately to an emergency veterinary hospital. Her body had been ravaged from dog fighting while being used as bait for fighting dogs to hone their egregious craft. She was described as literally ripped into pieces. The pup had been hung upside down by her back legs as the other dogs repeatedly attacked her. Hope didn’t have a chance to fight back.  Huge chunks of skin and muscle dropped away; her face and body were horribly distended and distorted from the swelling. She was riddled with old and new bite marks. Rescuers couldn’t bear holding back tears. It was not known if Hope would even survive.

One day later the rescue group posted Hope’s update on their Facebook page. The prognosis still didn’t look promising, but the puppy seemed to have no intentions of giving up her brave fight:

“The hospital is running a complete blood panel on her. I assumed that had been done already, but it hasn’t, so we are doing it now. We are doing a 4dx test to make sure she doesn’t have any heartworms. She still isn’t eating and the swelling has not gone down, so they are very concerned about the type of infections she could have, so we are also doing a wound culture. She may need a feeding tube inserted in the morning and could potentially need surgery. I will know more when the doctor calls me back after the labs are run. Bloodwork is in house. Wound culture takes 72 hours.
Hang in there sweet girl, we got this.”good-karma-dog-rescue

As the days passed, Hope began to eat and show a slight improvement. She was not eligible be put on steroids for the swelling, however followed a regiment of multiple massive antibiotics and pain relievers. She received constant care and remained on IV therapy for days. Her wounds have slowly improved and Hope was described as being in great “spirits and full of wiggles, wags and kisses.”

And the best news of all – on Friday morning Hope left the veterinary hospital and is now with her foster parent.

“She is doing so wonderfully, the doctors feel there is no reason to keep her there since her culture came back with bacteria that can be treated with oral medications. She will have a recheck in 7 days and is going home on 3 different antibiotics, an anti inflammatory/pain control med and medicated eye drops. We are so happy this girl will get to cuddle with her foster mom and sleep in a soft dog bed tomorrow night.”

Donations can be made to her care using Paypal at the group’s email address, GoodKarmaDogRescue@gmail.com.

Check out Hope’s video and how sweet she is. Photos and video of bait dog courtesy of Good Karma Dog Rescue and Barb Blackman. Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook.

 

 

Young dog rescued without a tooth in his mouth

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In Kershaw County, South Carolina, shelter workers made a disturbing discovery while rescuing a dog suspected of having been involved in an illegal, organized dog fight. After a call from a local resident reporting a badly injured, stray dog needing help, Animal Control arrived at the location and couldn’t find the dog until they set food out and patiently waited. And then Chase appeared – a five-year-old innocent victim of an egregious “sport” left to starve without a tooth in his mouth and languish in pain when he was no longer useful. chase-the-bait-dog-2

“Poor guy has his ear almost ripped off, had a huge swollen abscess on his neck  and the question of the hour is ‘where are his teeth'” asked Jackie O’Sullivan, co-founder of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC who have taken charge of Chase’s recovery and rehabilitation. “How in the heck could he even defend himself? Who would do this? He’s all gums and no teeth! Disgusting!”chase-the-bait-dog

Not long after Chase was rescued, Animal Control was called out again in connection with suspicious dog fighting activity. And this time another dog was discovered with serious injuries. That dog has been reported to be under the care of another rescue organization.

“You rescue one 911 and there’s another right after! We must rely on you, our amazing supporters for financial help or we are finished! The same shelter got another dog just hours ago from the same location! Clearly something VERY bad is going on there and needs to be shut down,” explained Jackie.

Chase has been transferred to the organization’s partner veterinarian in South Carolina where he is currently being treated. To donate to Chase’s rescue expenses, please click here. PayPal: donate@rescuedogsrocknyc.org or mail:RDR NYC PO Box 101 NY, NY 10028.

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(Photos of without a tooth from Rescue Dogs Rock NYC)

 

 

Tortured dog becomes innocent victim of dog fighting bait practice

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Marshmallow was used as  a bait dog; her sweetness and kindness unprecedented, but greed and cruelty know no boundaries. Who could even imagine an innocent and passive dog restrained and thrown into a  fighting arena as “bait” to train fighting dogs, yet the tortured dog became another innocent victim of dog fighting bait practice.bait-dog-jackie

On Saturday, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC‘s co-founder Jackie O’Sullivan, received a call from a local  shelter in Columbia, South Carolina asking for emergency help. A three-year-old dog badly injured dog had been brought into the shelter with open wounds and abscesses. The shelter had been working to get the dog released; sections of her face and neck had been ripped apart.bait-dog-jackie-2

Marshmallow was immediately transferred to the organization’s partner veterinarian where she has been receiving 24/7 care including surgery to  repair some of her most serious injuries.

“We are committed to helping her not overcome her physical wounds, but her emotional wounds also. Everyone who has met her says she is the sweetest dog-of course she is. It made her the perfect mark for these cruel abusers,” stated Jackie.

While dog fighting remains a serious issue in the South, the heinous “sport” can pop up anywhere. Be vigilant – report all suspicious activity of animal abuse. Be the voice for those who cannot speak. Tragically, cases like Marshmallow still happen much too often; her photos reflect her suffering. You are forever safe sweet angel, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC promise you that.bait-dog-jackie-5

(Photos of dog fighting bait practice via Rescue Dogs Rock NYC)

To help with Marshmallow’s veterinary care and her recovery, donations can be made by clicking here. Paypal: donate@rescuedogsrocknyc.org or checks can be sent to RDR NYC, PO Box 101 NY, NY 10028.

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Dog tossed from moving car when he refused to fight

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A one-year-old Dogue de Bordeaux may have been done a favor on Friday when a heartless culprit tossed him from a moving car in a rural part of Kershaw County, South Carolina. According to Rescue Dogs Rock NYC, who stepped forward and rescued the dog from the local shelter, it is believed he may have been involved in a dog fighting operation, and was tossed from the car because he refused to fight. The gaping injury on his front leg is consistent with having occurred during a dog fight.

Now dubbed Pierre, the dog who was covered in ticks, has been described as extremely sweet and mellow – obviously no candidate for a dog fighting ring. Rushed to the organization’s partner veterinary hospital in South Carolina, Pierre is now being treated for his injuries.pierre-rescue-dogs-rock-2

“Whoever tossed him out of that car has no idea the favor they did him,” stated Jackie O’Sullivan, co-founder of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC. “He was saved from a horrible life; (dog fighting) of that we have no doubt. Please keep Pierre in your thoughts, and pray for his recovery both physically and mentally.”

Pierre is another emergency case the New York City based rescue has undertaken. Their goal is to focus on the rescue of these urgent animals and immediately provide them emergency or specialized medical care. In many cases, these rescuers reach beyond vet care and get these animals rehabilitated as needed using trainers and behaviorists to help overcome issues related to past trauma.

To help Pierre, donations can be made by clicking here. PayPal: donate@rescuedogsrocknyc.org.

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(Photos of dog tossed from moving car courtesy of Rescue Dogs Rock NYC)

 

‘Bait dogs’ seized from deplorable dog fight training Florida home

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In Brooksville, Florida dozens of “bait dogs” used for training fighting dogs were found living in “deplorable” conditions at an alleged dog fighting facility, reports WishTvNews.

According to a press release from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday, an investigation over the weekend began when a severely injured dog was discovered in a cage with no food or water. When deputies  arrived, an animal enforcement officer discovered a brown male pit bull in a cage under the house.  The dog was was severely injured and emaciated and believed to have been a bait dog.

When removed from the cage, the dog smelled of decaying flesh. He had injuries to his face and right eye  and an open gash on his front leg which had become infected. A veterinarian’s examination confirmed the dog had been used as a bait dog during dog fights. Also on the property, deputies removed 19 adult dogs and two puppies. The dogs had been caged, heavily chained and starving. One dog weighing 27 pounds had been wearing a chain weighing nearly seven pounds. Another dog weighing 28 pounds had been carrying around a 15-pound chain.

Additionally, officers found apparatus indicative of a dog fighting facility which included pull ropes, injectable antibiotics, break sticks, etc. All equipment and drugs have been seized.

Two men James Harris, 62, and Darrell Smith, 53 have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. The case remains under investigation.

 

Public’s help needed: Rescuers heartbroken as deformed bait dog dies

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The Pinal County Animal Care and Control in Maricopa, Arizona is asking for the public’s help to bring justice to a three-year-old gentle and gravely injured Mastiff/pit bull found on the side of the road at the intersection of Wildwood and Ralston Roads. elliot-the-bait-dog-2

According to the shelter, the dog, dubbed Elliot, was found on September 23 and had been covered with open wounds as well as old scars from head to toe. In addition, his front legs were deformed and he was so weak from having been starved, the dog could barely stand without someone holding him up. Animal Cruelty officers suspected Elliot had been used as a bait dog and need the help of the public to identify his owner and conduct an investigation into what happened with this dog.elliot-the-bait-dog-3

The Queen Creek Independent reports the staff at animal control cared for Elliot for five days until he was turned over to a rescue group.

“His diagnosis was worse than we could imagine,” stated Animal Care and Control Director Audra Michael. “He had tick fever, Valley Fever, was in kidney failure, both front legs had been broken and never fixed so they healed wrong. To top if off, his tongue was mutilated which is why he could not eat or drink anything.”elliot-the-bait-dog-tongue

On September 29, Elliot died as a result of his injuries. He had been transferred to Lifeline Oro Valley Animal Rescue, who tried everything medically possible to help the gentle giant pull through. On the organization’s Facebook page, tears streamed down everyone’s face as the latest post brought the tragic news.

“…We wanted to do anything and everything we could for him and asked if the vet thought there was anything we could do to up his chances of pulling through. After discussing options, we brought him back home as the vet recommended that he be comfortable and less stressed. He was cuddled up in a heated bed, and we still believed we could possibly pull him through. He’d been wagging his tail earlier at the sound of our voices and was standing up and trying to follow Roge around. As we were sitting talking about the next steps for him, and how we would help him, his head in Roge’s lap, Elliot just took one big last breath and was gone. It was peaceful but unexpected, it was on his terms.”elliot-the-bait-dog-cover

Although most of Elliot’s life was one of torture and misery, at least for the last five days of his life, this poor dog was shown love, care and was never left alone for a moment. Rest in peace Elliot; we are sorry you never had the opportunity to heal and experience what you rightfully deserved: being a cherished dog.

Authorities are hoping the public can supply information leading to the identity of Elliot’s owner. Information can be called into Animal Care at  888.431.1311 or 520.509.3555.

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(Photos via Facebook Lifeline Oro Valley Rescue)