5 Animals Rescued In Dogfighting Raid Being Rehabilitated In Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh continues to play a big role in the battle to stop dogfighting rings across the country.

Five dogs rescued in a huge FBI raid back in August are now in Pittsburgh to be rehabilitated, and eventually, adopted.

The Animal Rescue League's Community Outreach Coordinator Mary Withrow was one of two local volunteers who went along on that massive raid in four Southern states back in August.

They rescued 367 dogs that day.

One of the suspects just surrendered his animals, and five of them are now at the Animal Rescue League on Hamilton Avenue in the city.

"We're really excited because they have lived the ultimate life of cruelty, being part of a dogfighting ring," Withrow told KDKA's Kym Gable. "In the U.S., there's nearly 49,000 organized dogfighting rings - lots of selling of dogs, big betting. There's a lot of money involved."

There are two Pit bulls and three Bluetick Coonhounds at the shelter.

The hounds are a popular breed for southern dogfighting organizations.

They are under quarantine and in seclusion for now, but in a few weeks, they will be ready for adoption.

"For me, having worked on the raid, and seeing them that day, and now having them with me here in Pittsburgh and giving them a chance to be put into good homes," said Withrow. "It's a great day for them, for me and for the Animal Rescue League."

For more information, visit the Animal Rescue League's website at AnimalRescue.org or call them at 412-345-7300.

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