Suspected Michigan Dogfighting Operations Raided

	When not in the pit, fighting dogs typically spend their lives on the ends of heavy chains attached to car axels driven into the ground. ©The HSUS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General (OIG) led the coordinated raids.

While dogfighting is a felony in Michigan, it is also a federal felony to knowingly sell, buy, possess or train any dog for purposes of having the animal participate in a dogfight that involves interstate commerce.

The HSUS assisted with the investigation leading to Wednesday’s raids, and provided assistance on the scene with evidence collection and seizure. The Michigan Humane Society and Missouri Humane Society helped handling dogs on the scene.

"Dogfighting is a criminal underground industry that breeds horrible animal suffering and violence," said Chris Schindler, deputy manager of animal fighting law enforcement for The HSUS, one of several HSUS investigators who participated in the raids.

"We commend the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General for their diligence in pursuing this investigation. Step by step, this nationwide business enterprise built on misery is being dismantled."

 Dogfighting Facts

• The HSUS is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization in combating organized animal fighting. We offer up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in these crimes. The HSUS' animal fighting reward program has been made possible by a grant by the Holland M. Ware Charitable Foundation, which is based in Atlanta.
• Dogfighting is a criminal industry; more than 250,000 dogs suffer horribly and often die in dogfighting pits each year.
• The HSUS estimates that 40,000 people follow organized dogfighting circuits across the United States, while an additional 100,000 meet on neighborhood streets, alleys and hideaways.
• The HSUS, according to its policy, will recommend that dogs seized in these raids be evaluated for adoption suitability.
• A Chicago Police Department study showed that 65% of people charged with animal abuse crimes—including dogfighting—were also charged with violent crimes against people.

What You Can Do

Learn the signs of dogfighting activity in your community, and how to fight back.

Related Links

Dogfighting

Dogfighting Fact Sheet

Dogfighting Cases

State Dogfighting Laws

Ranking of State Dogfighting Laws

Taking Action to End Dogfighting: How to Spot the Signs and What You Can Do