Alabama Dogfighting Operation Raided; ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian Examines Dogs, Skeletal Remains, Discovered in Two Alabama Towns

NEW YORK, June 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A suspected dogfighting operation that spanned two towns in Randolph County, Ala. was raided early Monday by Alabama's 5th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, in collaboration with The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the Humane Society of the United States. Authorities have seized 45 dogs and found skeletal remains, as well as evidence consistent with dogfighting, on the scene.

The ASPCA's forensic veterinarian, Dr. Melinda Merck, is examining and documenting injuries and conditions of dogs that were seized in the towns of Roanoke and Wedowee. She is also examining partially buried skeletal remains of a dog found in Roanoke. Evidence Dr. Merck collects from the crime scene will aid in the prosecution of the case.

"These dogs definitely suffered abuse and inhumane treatment at the hands of dogfighters," said Dr. Merck, senior director of Veterinary Forensics for the ASPCA. "So far, we've seen that one is unable to walk, another that is limping, and many that are injured, some severely. Our hope is that the forensic evidence collected will help us seek justice for all of these animals."

Dogs were discovered on heavy chains and have scars, untreated injuries and wound patterns indicative of fighting. In addition, controlled substances, illicit drugs and other paraphernalia related to dogfighting have been discovered.

"Forensic evidence does not lie," said Laura Maloney, senior vice president of Anti-Cruelty Initiatives for the ASPCA. "Dr. Merck's unparalleled expertise and tools, combined with the capabilities of the ASPCA's Animal CSI Unit, means these animal abusers cannot hide."

About the ASPCA(R)

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA(R) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R)) was the first humane organization established in the Americas, and today has more than one million supporters throughout North America. A 501 [c] [3] not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA provides local and national leadership in animal-assisted therapy, animal behavior, animal poison control, anti-cruelty, humane education, legislative services, and shelter outreach. The New York City headquarters houses a full-service, accredited, animal hospital, adoption center, and mobile clinic outreach program. The Humane Law Enforcement department enforces New York's animal cruelty laws and is featured on the reality television series "Animal Precinct" on Animal Planet. For more information, please visit www.aspca.org.

About the ASPCA's "Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit"

The ASPCA's "Mobile Animal Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Unit," the nation's first, was unveiled in December 2007. A "forensics first," the "Animal CSI" vehicle was created to significantly advance the prosecution of animal cruelty and help strengthen cases against offenders by incorporating the emerging field of veterinary forensics in crime scene investigations. It also provides a proven chain of custody for law enforcement, thus ensuring the integrity of the evidence, and helps reduce the stress placed on the animals that are the innocent "collateral victims."

SOURCE ASPCA