110 dogs are now safe after being rescued from multiple suspected dog fighting operations in Georgia.
They were all forfeited from Ware, Long, and Johnson Counties.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office filed three civil complaints to save the dogs.
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Authorities say many of them had missing or fractured teeth, torn ears, bite marks, pressure sores, and lots of scars.
Some of them tested positive for hookworm, heartworm, and/or giardia.
“Dog fighting is unacceptable and has no place in this District,” said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. “In addition, animal fighting ventures often entail other forms of illegal activity; this office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners at all levels to investigate and prosecute those who seek to profit off the abuse of helpless animals.”
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The U.S. Marshals Service contracted with various veterinary service providers for the care and rehabilitation of the dogs in preparation for sending the adoptable dogs to animal shelters for adoption.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office may pursue criminal action related to the seizures.
Under the federal Animal Welfare Act, it is a felony to fight dogs or to possess, train, sell, buy, deliver, receive, or transport them for that purpose, and violation of that law carries a statutory penalty of up to five years in prison.
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