26 Pit Bulls Rescued from Backyard Dog Fighting Operation

Twenty-six Pit Bull Terriers were saved from a dog fighting ring after Hillsborough County Animal Services in Florida acted on an anonymous tip. The officers found the dogs in a backyard of a home that was surrounded by a 6-foot tall fence to prevent people from seeing in.

An anonymous tipster called on the weekend and said that they had heard animals crying and howling behind the large fence. When deputies searched the house Monday they found the dogs chained up and some with fresh wounds.

“Some of them are severely injured,” Pam Perry, with Hillsborough County Animal Control told ABC Action News. “Clear cuts to their faces, forelimbs, head, they are still bleeding.” All twenty-six dogs were brought to Hillsborough County Animal Services and have been seen by a veterinarian. Pam added, “We saved these dogs lives today.”

The dogs are all expected to survive, but some have a long road to recovery given the extent of their injuries and trauma. The dogs will go through rehabilitation prior to being made available for adoption.

Officials continue to investigate and will be charging several individuals in the case shortly.

Pam said that they have been responding to more and more calls regarding dog fighting rings located in rural areas. “It is weekly [that we bust these rings],” Pam said. In November, they busted a long standing ring in Seffner and in late October they rescued a dog who had been shot and buried up to her neck in the ground. In all three cases the department received calls from concerned citizens.

Despite the stress the rescues put on the shelter’s resources, the department is thankful for the public’s continued support in reporting animal cruelty and helping them rescue dogs in desperate need.

To help Hillsborough Animal Services care for the dogs in their shelter, please visit their website for information on how to volunteer and advocate for animals.