Humane Society of Missouri Receives Custody of Dogs in Stoddard County Dog Fighting Case

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 314-802-5712 as soon as possible.

In order to limit stress on the dogs, the blind pit bull, a female adult pit bull, the beagle and the puppies will be available for viewing by the media:

    2-3 p.m., Thursday, February 7, 2008
    Training Room (enter through Veterinary Medical Center doors)
    Humane Society of Missouri Headquarters
    1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 63110

    Interview Opportunities
    Debbie Hill, vice president of Operations, Humane Society of Missouri
    Tim Rickey, director of Rescues and Investigations, Humane Society of
     Missouri
    Cyndi Nason, Adoption Centers director, Humane Society of Missouri

    Contact information for the public
    Pit Bull Puppy Adoption & Rescue Group Inquiries -- 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.