5 Dogs Saved From Apparent Dog-Fighting Ring In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — Five dogs were rescued from an apparent dog fighting ring in Philadelphia, according to the Pennsylvania SPCA.

The SPCA's Humane Law Enforcement Team was called to a property on the 2300 block of North 20th Street in Philadelphia early Tuesday morning while fire marshals were investigating a possible arson case.

The marshals found dogs on the property and contact the ACCT Philly, the SPCA said.

When Animal Control Officers arrived, they found telltale signs of dog fighting and contacted the PSPCA’s Humane Law Enforcement team.

Officers found five dogs in various rooms in the home, all were kept in filthy crates filled with excrement, the SPCA said.

Additionally, officers seized fighting paraphernalia, including bite sticks covered in blood, collars, and scales used for weighing the dogs. Officers also found further evidence of fighting, which included a dog fighting ring in the property’s basement.

Dog fighting crimes, as well as the possession of dog fighting paraphernalia, carry felony and misdemeanor charges respectively.

The dogs were taken to the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Philadelphia headquarters to be examined and cared for by the shelter’s medical team.

The animals were surrendered to the PSPCA and after medical and behavioral evaluations, may be made available for adoption.

Anyone with information about this case, the whereabouts of those involved, or other cases of animal cruelty, is urged to call the Pennsylvania SPCA’s Cruelty Hotline at 866-601-7722. Tips can be left anonymously.