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(KSDK, Missouri) - The Humane Society of Missouri rescued 25 pit bulls and one beagle Saturday night from a home in rural Stoddard County, just outside of Dexter. All of them, they say, were being raised for illegal dog fighting.
The Stoddard County Sheriff's Department says three men have been charged; Jamie Sifford, 29, of rural Stoddard County Mo., Jessey Short, 30, of Cape Girardeau Mo. and Curtis Pickering 28, of South Fulton, Tennessee.
Many of the dogs have injuries to their front legs, chest and face. Investigators say the dog fights took place for up to a year in a horse stall behind the home.
Investigators seized paraphenalia associated with fighting, including a blood-soaked rug the dogs used for traction during the fights and treadmills used to build endurance in dogs.
Tim Rickey is the Director of Rescues and Investigations for the Humane Society of Missouri. "Animal fighting is one of the most horrific types of animal abuse because these animals are tortured from just a couple months old up until the time they're killed in a fight or shot by their owner for not performing."
Kyle Held is a statewide investigator with the Humane Society of Missouri. "You couldn't adopt these dogs out and take them out to the local dog park or even take the chance of walking them on the street and meeting another dog because they are bred to do one thing and that's to kill another animal."
The three men arrested are being held in the Stoddard County Jail. Further charges of animal abuse and related dog fighting charges are pending. Dog fighting is a felony in Missouri. Watching a dog fight is a misdemeanor.
Top 5 comments on this story:
5. Is this suddenly becoming more common or just being reported more?
4. It's 2007 people, this story should not even exist.
3. If you know these people, do NOT post bail.
2. I say felonies for watching, too.
1. "One beagle." Snoopy vs pit bulls? Are you kidding,....?