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Ontario SPCA plans to euthanize 21 dogs seized from dog fighting operation

In Chatham, Ontario the Ontario SPCA is seeking permission to euthanize 21 dogs seized from a dog fighting ring in Tilbury last year, reports the Daily Courier.

According to Inspector Brad Dewar, in his six years at the agency, this is the most dogs he has ever asked to euthanize, stating the reasons are for the benefit of the dogs and for public safety. Dewar explained an order to euthanize that many dogs is extremely rare. "This is only the second time I've had to request an application like this," he said. "It is not an easy decision to make."

Chatham-Kent police seized 31 dogs as part of a dog fighting bust last October; four people are facing a total of more than 500 charges.The animals have all been described as "pitbull type dogs." At the time of the bust, 31 dogs were seized, in addition to one dog found dead. Three of the dogs were previously euthanized in December. According to CBCNews, defense attorney, Ken Marley, who represents the four people charged and arrested in connection with the alleged dog fighting operation, stated his clients are very upset with the SPCA's decision. Officials with the OSPCA are concerned with the dogs' behavior, and although no details were given, they allegedly consider the dogs to be dangerous. The four men face criminal charges which include drug-related offenses and accusations under the Dog Owners' Liability Act. Authorities also seized hundreds of items used to train fighting dogs.

When federal officers raided Michael Vick's property in 2007 fromVick's Bad Newz Kennels, they rescued 53 pit bulls. Many people believed the dogs were not able to be rehabilitated because of their killer instincts. To the contrary, Best Friends Animal Society took in 22 of the dogs who became known as the Vicktory Dogs; their rescue and subsequent stories became famous. In addition, the other dogs were taken in by BAD RAP (Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls) in San Francisco, Georgia SPCA, All or Nothing Rescue, Our Pack, Richmond Animal League, Recycled Love, the Animal Farm Foundation, the SPCA for Monterey, Out of the Pits, and Animal Rescue of Tidewater. Jim Gorant, author of the The Lost Dogs: Michael Vick's Dogs and Their Tale of Rescue and Redemption tells their amazing story.

Animal advocates demonstrating outside of the Chatham Courthouse stated there are rescue groups interested in rescuing the dogs and doing rehabilitation work. In Ontario pitbulls are banned under provincial legislation. The hearing date to euthanize all of the dogs is set for March 10.
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