22 Dogs Rescued from Alleged Dogfighting Operations in Indiana amid 110 Degree Heat: 'It's Incomprehensible' By Nicholas Rice

Almost two dozen dogs have been rescued from alleged dogfighting operations in Indiana.

Police served search and seizure warrants on two properties in Fort Wayne at around 2 p.m. local time on July 29, when they found the canines in disarray, according to a news release shared by Humane World for Animals.

The organization worked hand in hand with the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD), the Indiana Gaming Commission and Fort Wayne Animal Care and Control to rescue the dogs in the area, as it was hit with temperatures that reached approximately 110 degrees.

At the first residence, responders “found dogs panting in filthy hutches and cages,” the news release said.

“Despite the scorching heat, many of the dogs had no access to water, and several had significant scarring consistent with dogfighting,” the release continued, adding: “Responders discovered a shed containing dogfighting paraphernalia, including two treadmills and a stand typically used in dogfighting operations to restrain dogs for breeding.”

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At the second home, the news release said, “Dogs were found on heavy chains outdoors with inadequate protection from the elements, several suffering from flystrike, a serious condition caused when flies lay eggs on an animal.”

“Others were found in cramped cages with no water,” Humane World for Animals added, further explaining, “Veterinarians identified blood spatter on the walls of the basement.”

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“Between the suffocating heat, filthy conditions and bodies covered in scars — it’s incomprehensible. Yet these dogs still greeted us with wagging tails and hopeful eyes,” said Samantha Chapman, the Indiana state director of the Humane World for Animals.

She continued, “We are deeply grateful to the Fort Wayne Police Department for intervening in this case and giving these dogs a chance at the lives they deserve.” 

Humane World for Animals has since relocated the dogs “to a safe, confidential location where responders and volunteers will provide much-needed care and treatment,” according to the release.

The search and seizure was part of an ongoing investigation by the FWPD.

“Dogfighting is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison for fighting dogs or for possessing, training, selling, buying, delivering, receiving or transporting dogs intended for use in dogfighting,” Humane World for Animals said in its news release.

In a statement, Fort Wayne Police Chief Scott Caudill said those involved “successfully shut down a large-scale dogfighting operation in our community.”

“We are committed to ensuring justice for those involved and providing care for the animals recovered,” he continued. “The Fort Wayne Police Department will continue to take decisive action against any form of animal cruelty to keep our city safe for all its residents — human and animals alike.”