The HSUS Aids in OK Dogfighting Bust

July 9, 2004

July 9, 2004

TULSA, Okla. - Today, Oklahoma State Police and other agencies executed three warrants at properties near Lake Eufaula in Okalahoma and seized nearly 70 pit bull dogs thought to belong to Le Shon Johnson and several other individuals. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is covering initial costs to transport the dogs to Tulsa Animal Control. Also found were allegedly false insurance papers and records of the dogs’ blood lines.

Jay Sabatucci, regional coordinator of The HSUS’ Southwest Regional Office said from the scene “Many of these dogs were in very bad shape. Besides obvious injuries they received while fighting, many also appeared to be malnourished.”

In a dogfighting match, two dogs specifically bred, conditioned, and trained to fight are placed in an enclosed area to fight each other, for the spectators' gambling and entertainment. Dogfights end when one of the dogs is no longer willing or able to continue. The injuries inflicted and sustained by dogs participating in dogfights are frequently severe, and dogs used in these events often die of blood loss, shock, dehydration, exhaustion, or infection hours or even days after the fight.

A coalition of agencies were present at today’s seizure, including the Oklahoma State Police, a local Drug Task Force, the Oklahoma Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, U.S. Marshals, Tribal police, and sheriff’s deputies from several counties.

Dogfighting is illegal is all 50 states. In Oklahoma, dogfighting is a felony, as is being in possession of dogs used for fighting.

The Humane Society of the United States is accepting donations to offset the costs of transporting, housing and caring for these the dogs and helping to stop animal fighting. For more information, contact The HSUS Southwest Regional Office at 972-488-2964 or swro@hsus.org.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization with more than eight million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.

Related Links

Dogfighting Fact Sheet

Animal Fighting: The Final Round