Alabama Dogfighting Operation Raided; ASPCA Forensic Veterinarian Examines Dogs,...

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

Amy Geduldig of the ASPCA, +1-212-876-7700, Ext. 4567, amyg@aspca.org