ASPCA Assists Local Authorities in the Removal of 21 Dogs Seized in Buffalo, N.Y. Dog Fighting Raid

Buffalo, N.Y.—At the request of the Buffalo Police Department and SPCA Serving Erie County, N.Y., the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) is assisting in evidence collection and the removal of 21 dogs seized during a dog fighting raid in Buffalo, N.Y.

Eight search warrants were executed Friday at several sites in the Buffalo area. The ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response team is assisting with the seizure of dogs at several properties where animals were allegedly housed and fought. ASPCA experts report that many of the dogs they seized exhibited scars and wounds consistent with fighting, and some appeared to be emaciated and in poor health.

“Dog fighting is a national epidemic, and we are grateful for local authorities in actively pursuing this case and seeking justice for these innocent victims who were forced to live in deplorable conditions and subjected to horrific abuse,” said Tim Rickey, vice president of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response. “We are pleased to lend our support to the Buffalo Police Department and SPCA Serving Erie County in rescuing dogs from a life of suffering and torture.”

“We are extremely grateful to the ASPCA for their quick response to our request for assistance, and for the talented staff they sent to us," added SPCA Serving Erie County Executive Director Barbara Carr.  “This covert industry is violent, it's large, and it's local. Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and the Buffalo Police have taken a strong lead in facing down this abhorrence, and we are privileged to be a part of that.”

The dogs seized during the raid will be cared for by the SPCA Serving Erie County.

In the last month alone, the ASPCA has also assisted local and federal authorities in dog fighting cases in Dover, Del. and Milwaukee, Wis. In August 2013, the ASPCA played a leading role in what is believed to be the second largest dog fighting case in U.S. history. The ASPCA established its Blood Sports unit, led by Terry Mills, in 2010 to investigate animal fighting across the country.

Dog fighting is a felony in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to tackle dog fighting and what the public can do to help, please visit www.aspca.org/dogfighting.