Dog Fighting Busted, 17 Pit Bulls Rescued, 11 Skulls Found

Jefferson County sheriff's deputies rescued 17 pit bulls and found the remains of at least 11 dogs in the Mulga area, Alabama, on Sunday afternoon.

The officials received a complaint of dogs fighting around 11.30 a.m. local time (12.30 p.m. EDT). When they reached the scene, they heard sounds of dogs fighting in the woods behind a home. As they proceeded toward the woods, they saw a juvenile carrying an injured dog.

Chief Deputy Randy Christian said when they reached the location, they found 17 pit bulls, four of which had injuries consistent with dog fighting, local daily Al.com reported. They also saw a ring set up for dogs to fight with fresh blood inside. Officials also recovered 11 skulls, Christian said adding that a 42-year-old man was taken into custody on charges of “activity related to dog fighting” with a $15,000 bond.

Animal control officials reached the spot and took the dogs into custody.

"If you see or hear something say something. And that's what happened. It was a long and grueling day. Many thanks to our staff and to Sheriff Hale's incredible deputies. None of us will ever forget what we saw and none of us will rest until violence like this stops,” said Allison Black Cornelius, president and CEO of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, a pet adoption service in Alabama.

“It sickens me to think these people live and walk amongst us in our community. And the fact that these scum bags had a child on scene made me want to throw up. Pray for all of these poor creatures and pray for the GBHS hands that will be trying to heal the hurts these animals have suffered over the next many many months,” she added.

In another incident last week, 45 dogs were rescued from a property in Bendena, Kansas, where they were living in "deplorable" conditions. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) was looking into a possible dog-fighting operation.

Investigators found dog fighting paraphernalia on the property. The agency did not reveal the dog breeds, however, confirmed that some dogs were injured from consistent with dog fighting. Some dogs were tied with heavy metal chains.

Colton Albright, 28, was arrested on 42 counts of dog fighting, CBS-affiliated television station KWCH reported.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) was assisting KBI with the investigation. The dogs were transported to ASPCA emergency shelter at an undisclosed location.

“Our Legal Advocacy team will work closely with law enforcement and prosecutors to ensure the best outcome for these animals,” ASPCA wrote on its website.

Melissa Underwood, spokeswoman for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, said “We are extremely thankful that the ASPCA was willing to partner with us in this investigation. Their responders are best equipped to ensure these animals receive the treatment and care they require.”

Joel Lopez, operations director for the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response team, said, “Sadly, dog fighting is more prevalent than many people think and it continues to be a popular underground activity throughout the country. The ASPCA is grateful for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation for working with us to tackle this horrific form of animal abuse. Our immediate goal is to transport these dogs to a safe place where they will receive much-needed care and treatment.”