Halifax County, Virginia—April 2011
The ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team, along with ASPCA behavior experts, assisted local and federal authorities in a narcotics, weapons and dog fighting raid in rural Nathalie, Virginia, that led to the seizure of 41 Pit Bulls and Beagles.
Lee County, Florida—September 2010
ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team assisted in what is being described as one of the largest cockfighting busts in Florida history.
East Sandersville, Georgia—February 2010
For the second time in a week, the ASPCA responded to a suspected dog fighting ring in rural Georgia. When authorities arrived, two dogs were in the act of fighting and three men fled the scene. In total, nine severely underweight dogs were seized.
Sandersville, Georgia—February 2010
ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team assisted in the rescue of 24 Pit Bulls near Sandersville, Georgia. The severely emaciated dogs, allegedly used for fighting, had been left to starve. An additional six dogs were found dead on the property.
Historic Eight-State Dog Fighting Raid—July 2009
The ASPCA participated in an eight-state dog fighting raid, the largest federal crackdown on dog fighting in U.S. history, resulting in the rescue of over 400 dogs, most of whom are Pit Bulls.
Randolph County, Alabama—June 2009
When authorities raided two dog fighting operations in Roanoke and Newell, AL, the ASPCA dispatched forensic veterinarian Dr. Melinda Merck to collect evidence for the prosecution. Dr. Merck examined 46 dogs with scars, wounds and untreated injuries—two men were eventually charged for their crimes, including possession of dogs for fighting.
The Investigation and Trial of Michael Vick—April 2007
ASPCA behavior experts led the team conducting evaluations of Vick's dogs, while ASPCA forensic scientists assisted in the recovery and analysis of evidence, including carcasses and skeletal remains of numerous Pit Bulls at Vick's property. The evidence helped convict the football star and three co-defendants.