Crime

367 dogs rescued in multi-state dog-fighting case

By Iris Carreras

August 26, 2013 / 4:57 PM EDT / CBS News

U.S. Attorney George Beck said Monday the 12 are charged with conducting an illegal gambling business and multiple dog fighting charges, including promoting dog fights. Additional defendants are being sought. Federal and state officers served search warrants Friday in simultaneous raids in Alabama and Georgia. They seized 367 pit bulls in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. They also seized more than $500,000 in cash.

The Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA are caring for the animals at undisclosed locations.

ASPCA vice president Tim Rickey said the dogs are finally getting a loving hand from people who care for them.

The dogs, ranging in age from just several days to 10-12 years, had been left to suffer in extreme heat with no visible fresh water or food.

Many are emaciated with scars and wounds consistent with dog fighting, and some were tethered by chains and cables that were attached to cinder blocks and car tires.

ASPCA responders and responders from The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) helped manage the removal and transport of the dogs to temporary emergency shelters in undisclosed locations.

Responders also assisted authorities with collecting forensic evidence to be submitted for prosecution.

The Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA are caring for the animals at undisclosed locations.

Iris Carreras

Iris Carreras covers crime for CBSNews.com.