Dogfighting continues to be an issue

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Two hundred dogs seized and dozens of people arrested across Texas, in what authorities are calling, "the largest dogfighting rings in the country." The illegal dog fighting ring spanned across three counties and was based out of Harris County. It stretched from Matagorda to Tyler.

"What you see is animals bloodied and battered, bruised and screaming in pain," said Belinda Smith, Harris County Assistant District Attorney. "You have animals that are staggering in the ring, other animals who are trying to climb out of the ring."

Ernest Samudio, a spokesperson for Action for Animals said Sunday that dogfighting rings are more common than people think. Even in Austin it is a problem, but not everyone running the rings has been caught. "It's very horrible," said Samudio. "And, whenever we hear about it, we like to let our members know that this is still happening and that it's not isolated."

In all, 55 people were indicted after a 17 month undercover investigation into an illegal dog fighting ring where gamblers would put anywhere from $500 to $1,000 down on matches. Animal welfare groups are taking care most of the 187 dogs that were seized, but ultimately, a judge will decide the fate of the animals. Authorities said most of the dogs will have to be euthanized, which is why Action for Animals is calling on lawmakers to stiffen penalties for crimes like this.

"Most of these animals, if not all of them, are going to be put to sleep," said Samudio. "Because it's enormously difficult to rehabilitate them and get them adopted. Most of the time, they can't be rehabilitated."

State troopers also found firearms, marijuana, cocaine and stolen property. However, the suspects are only being charged with engaging in dogfights, a felony that could cost them up to two years in prison.