225 Dogs Rescued In Dramatic Multi-State Dogfighting Raids

American Humane Association's Red Star Rescue Team Called in to Help Animal Victims

News provided by

Dec 23, 2014, 02:36 ET

WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The scope of the cruelty was stunning. In an effort to break up a multi-state dogfighting operation, authorities announced raids on 18 locations in Baltimore and a compound in West Virginia, recovering 225 dogs. American Humane Association's renowned Red Star® Animal Emergency Services team was asked to stand by to help the animal victims and began providing care for the dogs at an undisclosed shelter in the Baltimore area, helping with the handling and comforting of 69 animals who for so long have known nothing but brutal torture, abuse and neglect.

"Animal fighting is a barbaric and cowardly form of cruelty," said Justin L. Scally, national director of Humane Intervention & Emergency Services for American Humane Association. "One that not only leads to immense animal suffering – but one that frequently also involves other crimes and violence."

A grand jury returned indictments against 22 people involved in the operation. All of them are being charged with animal cruelty, dog fighting and conspiracy.

The deployment was made possible by Red Star presenting sponsor MARS Petcare US, makers of PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs. In addition, PetSmart Charities® sent food, crates, and other supplies for up to 100 animals to help the victims in the Baltimore case.

"A situation like this, involving deliberate cruelty to animals and, often, death, is especially heartbreaking," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. "Unless someone intervenes, these animals would have no hope. Thanks to our supporters, philanthropist Lois Pope, MARS Petcare US, makers of PEDIGREE® Food for Dogs, PetSmart Charities®, and other major donors, we are able to come to the aid of our nation's most vulnerable animals in their times of greatest need."

American Humane Association's Red Star program was created in 1916 at the request of the U.S. Secretary of War to rescue wounded war horses on the battlefields of World War I in Europe. Since then, Red Star has been rescuing animals of every kind and has been involved in virtually every major disaster relief effort from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, the Japanese and Haitian earthquakes, and Superstorm Sandy. Over just the past ten years Red Star teams have saved, helped and sheltered more than 80,000 animals.

To help Red Star's efforts to save suffering animals, please visit www.americanhumane.org now!

About American Humane Association
American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

About Mars Petcare US
Mars Petcare US is the U.S. operations of the world's largest petcare company at the privately-held Mars, Incorporated. Mars Petcare US produces some of the world's most beloved pet care brands, including PEDIGREE®, IAMS®, CESAR®, SHEBA®, WHISKAS®, GOODLIFE™, TEMPTATIONS®, NUTRO®, GREENIES®, and EUKANUBA®, as well as exclusive brands products for some of the leading retailers in the U.S. Headquartered in Franklin, Tenn., more than 3,000 Mars Petcare associates make, sell and distribute its high-quality pet food from 16 manufacturing facilities located in communities across the U.S.

For more information, please visit www.mars.com.

About PetSmart Charities®
PetSmart Charities, Inc. is a nonprofit animal welfare organization that saves the lives of homeless pets. More than 400,000 dogs and cats find homes each year through our adoption program in all PetSmart® stores and our sponsored adoption events. PetSmart Charities grants more money to directly help pets in need than any other animal welfare group in North America, with a focus on funding spay/neuter services that help communities solve pet overpopulation. PetSmart Charities is a 501(c)(3) organization, separate from PetSmart, Inc.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/225-dogs-rescued-in-dramatic-multi-state-dogfighting-raids-300013759.html

SOURCE American Humane Association